📰 *Calls Grow for Tougher Safety Enforcement Amid Grim Workplace Stats* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaDbHKp3GJOtlMM4PA39 https://wa.me/263718497005?text=advert The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has sounded the alarm over a surge in workplace injuries and deaths, revealing that 4,912 injuries and 76 fatalities were recorded in 2024 alone—a stark indicator of Zimbabwe’s worsening occupational safety crisis. In a statement delivered on behalf of ZCTU President Florence Taruvinga during the June 6 commemorations, the union warned that without decisive intervention, workers would continue to pay the ultimate price for employer negligence and regulatory failures. “In 2024, Zimbabwe experienced a concerning rise in occupational injuries and fatalities. It is reported that there were 4,912 injuries and 76 fatalities throughout the year. “What about those accidents that went unreported?” questioned Taruvinga. “We cannot continue to suffer from workplace neglect while those responsible face no consequences.” Taruvinga singled out the mining sector, labelling it a death trap plagued by unsafe shafts, failing equipment, and lax enforcement of safety laws. The agriculture industry fared no better, with workers reportedly operating without basic personal protective equipment, and facing exposure to hazardous chemicals, extreme heat, and deplorable living conditions. Retail and commercial workers were said to be enduring long hours, job insecurity, and unsafe work environments, while the informal sector where over 80% of workers are believed to operate remains largely unregulated, with no safety laws, healthcare, or labour rights protections. In sectors such as transport and manufacturing, Taruvinga noted that employees often work with outdated and dangerous machinery, lacking the most basic safety measures. “As the voice of workers, we clearly pronounce that enough is enough,” declared Taruvinga. “We demand the full enforcement of occupational safety and health (OSH) laws across all sectors, the formation of functional health and safety committees in every workplace, and access to adequate PPE, training, and medical services for all workers.” The June 6 commemorations are held each year in remembrance of the 1972 Kamandama Mine Disaster, in which 427 miners perished in an underground explosion caused by methane gas a tragedy that led to the mine’s permanent closure. According to NewZimbabwe, the ZCTU’s call for urgent reforms highlights the union's frustration with authorities and industry players continuing to ignore workers’ safety concerns despite the mounting death toll.