9 Jan 2025
PRESS RELEASE
9 January 2025
For immediate release
SUBJECT: MBUDZI INTERCHANGE ACCIDENT: ZCTU WORRIED ABOUT
WORKPLACE ACCIDENTS
The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) notes with concern the Mbudzi Interchange crane accident that claimed the life of a construction worker.
We express our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased worker and reiterate that no employee should be a fatality statistic at the workplace. The accident underscores the critical importance of safety protocols and equipment
maintenance in construction environments.
It is vital for companies in the construction industry to continually evaluate their safety practices and invest in trainings for their employees to eliminate workplace accidents. This tragedy serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to ensure that all safety measures are in place.
While we acknowledge Tefoma Constructions pledge to cooperate with authorities and support the affected family, we are also calling upon the Competent Authority to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crane
collapse, hold accountable those responsible and ensure strict adherence to OSH standards at the workplace in future.
The current state of occupational safety and health in our work establishments is concerning. National accident statistics are alarming with high fatality rates. The National Social Security Authority (NSSA) is called upon to ensure strict enforcement
measures by conducting thorough workplace inspections.
This accident should serve as a wake-up call for all construction companies to adopt sound Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems, in line with:
ISO 45001: An international standard outlining requirements for an occupational health and safety (OH&S) management system.
ILO Convention No. 167: Adopted in 1988, aimed at enhancing safety and health conditions of workers in the construction industry.
We therefore call on the responsible authorities to take immediate and decisive action to ensure that such incidents do not happen again.
RUNESU DZIMIRI
ACTING SECRETARY GENERAL
