Africa-Press – Botswana. Prioritising well-being and safety in all industries around the world remains critical in creating safe and healthy work environment for workers.
This was said by Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Ms Annah Mokgethi at the World Health and Safety Day at Work commemoration held at Maun Sport Complex on April 28.
Ms Mokgethi also underscored the importance of pivoting towards more friendly economic activities that embraced sustainability and safeguarding the planet for future generations.
“As Botswana, we are also transitioning to renewable sources of energy such as solar and wind power, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions,” she said.
She further highlighted that by raising awareness, promoting education and investing in solutions, Botswana could mitigate the impact of climate change on occupational and safety.
“Together we can build a safer and more resilient future for all workers regardless of the challenges posed by our changing environment, therefore let us commit ourselves to this cause today for the sake of our workers, communities and our planet,” she added.
For his part, Metrology Climate Change coordinator, Mr Balisi Gopolang emphasised the importance of creating a work environment where employees felt empowered to speak up about safety concerns and where safety protocols were consistently followed and updated.
“The first step that Botswana should take is to ensure that Convention 155 on Occupational Health and Safety is ratified and domesticated into labour law very soon as healthcare is fundamental to the workers’ continued labour supply and an unhealthy workforce is unlikely to be a productive workplace,” Mr Gopolang said.
He also highlighted the importance of physical safety measures, such as proper equipment and training, as well as addressing mental health and well-being in the workplace.
Botswana Federation of Public Employees Organisations president, Mr Gotlamang Oitsile said there was need to intensify capacity building initiatives with a deliberate and clear intent of teaching people about climate change, saying that would improve responses to it in the world of work and outside.
“It is imperative that adaptation strategies be developed and put in place, employers and policy makers need to develop adaptation strategies that includes modifying work practices, for instance; scheduling work at cooler times of the day,” Mr Oitsile said.
Member of Parliament for Maun West, Mr Dumelang Saleshando implored employers to prioritise mental health support for employees, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the ongoing global pandemic.
“I plead with you to make health testing and check-ups a regular routine in their workplaces so as to identify and fight non-communicable diseases as early as possible thus saving and serving their workers,” Mr Saleshando said.
Meanwhile, the commemoration held under the theme: The Impacts of Climate Change on Occupational Health and Safety, also featured demonstration of fire rescue by the fire department.
The fire department pleaded with the public to always adhere to the instructions from firefighters during a fire rescue, which was said to be done to ensure safety in the event of any blasts.
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