THE National Social Security Authority (Nssa) has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating all work-related injuries, illnesses and fatalities in Zimbabwe.
The State insurer said it was implementing stricter safety interventions across all economic sectors through its Workers’ Compensation Scheme.
Addressing journalists in Harare recently, Nssa director of social security Shepherd Muperi said the authority, through active intervention and workers’ compensation scheme, envisions a working environment where there were zero work-related illnesses, injuries or fatalities.
“As many of you are aware, this is one of Nssa’s core mandates. We remain unflinchingly committed to ensuring the creation of safer, healthier and more dignified workplaces for all Zimbabweans,” he said.
Muperi said occupational safety and health was not merely a regulatory requirement.
“It is a fundamental human right. It safeguards workers who are the very people who drive the engine of our economy,” he said.
Nssa research showed that Zimbabwe was losing about US$15 million annually due to workplace injuries.
Every year, the country records an annual average of 300 deaths and 5 000 injuries at workplaces.
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Muperi said the benefits of investing in occupational safety and health went beyond compliance, spilling to economic and social dividends.
“International studies consistently demonstrate that every dollar invested in workplace safety and health yields a return of over two dollars in positive economic effect,” he said.
“Healthy and safe working conditions not only protect lives but enhance productivity, reduce absenteeism and boost morale. As Zimbabwe accelerates its progress towards becoming an empowered and prosperous upper-middle-income society by 2030, our pursuit of industrial growth and higher productivity mustn’t come at the expense of our workers’ health and safety.”
The State-controlled pension fund established the Accident Prevention and Workers’ Compensation Scheme in 1990.
The scheme serves as an insurance cover that employers invest in to protect workers against employment injuries.
Under the scheme, benefits include periodic payments for lost income during the days one is unfit for work following an accident, lump-sum payments for injuries resulting in disabilities of less than 10%, workers’ pensions for disabilities exceeding 10%, coverage of medical expenses and dependant benefits in cases of work-related fatalities, among others.
“This ensures that workers and their families are cushioned against the financial and emotional consequences of occupational injuries and diseases,” Muperi said.
Nssa also operates the Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Centre in Bulawayo to enhance recovery and rehabilitation.
This specialised facility provides comprehensive rehabilitation services, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, vocational training and psycho-social support.
The goal, Muperi said, was to restore independence and improve the quality of life for injured workers and persons with disabilities while reintegrating them into their communities and, where possible, the workplace.
Nssa also administers the Pension and Other Benefits Scheme, established in 1994.
The scheme complements occupational pension schemes and individual services to create a comprehensive retirement and social protection system that safeguards the well-being of contributors and their dependants.
