‘Watch out! I’ll come like a thief’

By CHILA NAMAIKO –
THE Ministry of Labour and Social Security has embarked on impromptu visits to establish the safety, and working environment of employees in work places.
Labour Minister Joyce Nonde-Simukoko said her undertaking would start with the Government departments in order to lead by example in ensuring that a conducive work atmosphere was provided by all the heads of departments (HoDs).

SIMUKOKO

Ms Simukoko said in an interview yesterday that her office was concerned with the poor working environment, health and safety standards for employees in some work places.
Researchers indicated that workers down the skills ladder were the most affected, especially those in the heavy industry, mining, energy, construction, and agriculture.
They faced the risk of physical and chemical injury owing to the areas in which they worked and the equipment they used.
Ms Simukoko cited instances where some directors would opt to revamp their offices and put facilities such as air-conditions, while neglecting their employees’ workplaces who equally needed to enjoy such
amenities.
“We are going without making prior appointments to check on the work environment for workers. We are starting with the Government departments and we are sharpening our skills to ensure the welfare of workers is improved,” she said.
She said the same way the Government was consistently improving employees’ working conditions, it should be the same approach that employers need to uplift the welfare of subordinates to help increase their performance.
The ministry, she said, would not take lightly employers that exploited their workers.
Meanwhile, the minister challenged trade unions in the country to lead by example in educating their members about matters of labour regulation.
She said the Government would not interfere with the operations of the labour movement, as it was provide in the policy guidelines, and it was up to the unions to fight for improved conditions of service for their members.