The Occupational Health and Safety Institute (OHSI) has launched a nationwide sensitization programme to raise awareness and promoting compliance to the Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 16 of 2025 across all sectors of the economy in Zambia.
Speaking during a stakeholder sensitization meeting in Ndola this morning, OHSI Director General Martha Chakulimba said the sensitization campaign seeks to strengthen workplace safety standards and foster a culture of prevention throughout the country.
Dr. Chakulimba said the programme is designed not only to increase awareness of OHSI’s services and the provisions of the new legislation, but also to encourage a shift in mindset among employers and workers to ensure that safety becomes a culture.
βThe goal is to build a strong culture of safety that leads to a reduction in occupational injuries, illnesses and fatalities, while encouraging employers to view occupational health and safety not as a cost, but as a strategic investment in productivity and human capital,β she said.
She commended President Hakainde Hichilema and the Government for championing the enactment of the Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 16 of 2025 which provides for mandatory occupational health and safety standards across all industries in Zambia.
Dr. Chakulimba described the legislation as a landmark achievement that demonstrates Governmentβs commitment to protecting workers and advancing Zambiaβs decent work agenda.
The nationwide sensitization campaign is aimed at engaging employers, employees, trade unions, industry associations and other key stakeholders to promote compliance and strengthen occupational health and safety practices in all sectors throughout the country.
Under the new Act, all employers are mandated to register with OHSI for their employees to be medically examined and have their work places monitored to prevent occupational diseases and accidents.