DEBSWANA DRIVES OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE PROGRAMME
Debswana Managing Director, Andrew Motsumi said there is a need for more robust and far reaching national Occupational Hygiene programme in Botswana that will address the subdued industry of the Occupational Hygiene discipline, with the key objective to prevent occupational exposures that may have impact on workers’ health and wellbeing.
Debswana signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Botswana Association for Occupational Hygiene, Botswana Chamber of Mines and the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs to assure employees in Botswana of their fundamental rights of safety and health at the workplace.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Motsumi highlighted that Occupational Hygiene is a fundamental right as it ensures that hard working employees enter the workplace healthy and retire healthy.
“The noble profession achieves this by the art and science of anticipating, recognition, evaluating and controlling workplace health stressor to workers as well as safeguarding the community at large.”
Currently, Botswana has only 31 Occupational Hygiene officials, with the majority of them (20) currently tenured at Debswana, while seven are absorbed within the Department of Occupational Health and Safety; one is practicing at Botswana International University of Science and Technology, one at Botswana Power Corporation, one official at Morupule Colliery Mine and another at the Southeast District Council.
Motsumi further stated that the MoU came about to address the low industry awareness & skills scarcity, legislation on the field hence the need to foster partnerships towards OH development in Botswana.
He said in implementing the MoU programme, Debswana will be ensuring collaboration in the development of the Occupational Hygiene programme at the national level, inclusive of guidelines and specifications for possible implementation by different industries and institutions in Botswana. “We urge all stakeholders in Botswana’s economic growth to come on board and establish fullbodied Occupational Hygiene programmes that come with
real benefits.”
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Labour and Home affairs, Jimmy Opelo said the government is committed to improving skills mismatch on the job sector and provide safer working environment. “As government we commit to social dialogue to progress the review of the occupational health and safety legislation.”
He revealed that currently the laws that have to do with occupational health are being reviewed to meet the standards which they believe are good for the purpose of a healthy workforce.
“It is the hope of government that signing of this MoU sets a tone for ensuring protection of the rights of workers and promoting the overall being and morale.”
Opelo further emphasised that government strives for improved business productivity, quality of life and profitability that is due to healthy workers.
“What we have to do now is how do we achieve a balance and make sure that this MoU is implemented in our workplaces.”