Seychelles observes 24th edition of Safety Week |11 November 2023
Safety Week 2023 got under way yesterday morning with an exhibition showcasing occupational safety and health practices in workplaces including employees’ personal protective equipment.
The exhibition on the ground floor of Independence House marked the launch of the week-long annual event organised by the Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs and its partners.
This year’s theme is ‘A safe and healthy working environment is a fundamental principle and right at work’.
When officially launching the 24th edition of Safety Week, the employment and social affairs minister, Patricia Francourt, said the event was once again an opportunity for the ministry to re-emphasise the importance of good safety and health practices in the workplace.
She added that safety and health impact everyone forming part of the Seychelles labour force, some more than others, depending on the job they do.
“It impacts not only our work lives but even our personal lives, as risks and hazards associated with the different occupations may have lifelong effects if not managed properly.”
The minister reiterated that occupational safety and health remain high on the ministry’s agenda and it was among the five priorities in its strategic plan for 2023 to 2027. This was to reduce occupational accidents and non- compliance with employment laws and regulations by employers, through strengthening of the regulatory frameworks and enforcement system, as well as collaborations with tripartite stakeholders.
The ministry would also next year review the National Occupational Safety and Health Policy developed in 2017 as occupational safety and health was not stagnant. The revised policy will cater for the next five years.
“Occupational safety and health should not be viewed as an optional matter but as non-negotiable to ensure the protection of workers and prevention of occupational accidents and diseases. Hence, it should remain as top priority in all work organisations out there,” stated the minister.
According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) there are over 2 million work-related deaths globally, which represents around 7,500 per day. Seychelles recorded three occupational deaths last year and a total of 14 during the past five years. Two hundred (200) accidents were recorded in 2022 compared to 41 in 2021, and for January to September 2023, 130 have been recorded so far.
The minister said the most occupational accidents were in the tourism sector with men being the most affected; 83 of them out of the 130 cases.
“The figures indicate we should do more to ensure that our workers operate in safe conditions. An occupational death is too much for our small country,” stated the minister.
According to the ministry, challenges remain, such as the need to improve the recording and notification system of occupational accidents and occupational diseases, lack of attention on occupational safety and health matters, and limited power of safety officers and representatives. Another issue was the complete disregard by some organisations with more than 50 workers, or categorised as hazardous occupations, to employ safety officers.
The minister stressed on the need to continuously sensitise employers on their role and responsibilities to report any occupational accidents, investigate any accident and put in place necessary precautionary measures to protect their employees.
Activities for Safety Week include a two-day workshop for safety officers and representatives in collaboration with the ILO, as well as an interactive tour for them on a construction site and talks.
Patsy Canaya
Photos contributed
