Govt to close non-complying industries on workers' safety

PIC: Pius Bigirimana, the gender ministry permanent secretary. (File photo)

SAFETY

KAMPALA - The Government is to carry out an operation on all industries and factories which do not comply with the safety of workers.

The gender ministry permanent secretary, Pius Bigirimana, said all workplaces should ensure the safety of their workers to protect them in line of duty, as per the Operational, Safety and Health Act, 2006.

"We are going to carry out an inspection and check the status of all workplaces in industries to see what measures they have put in place to protect workers," He said.

Bigirimana added that industries that do not comply will be closed. "I have the powers and this ministry has that mandate to make sure people work under a conducive environment," he said.

He made the warning while launching the employers (manufacturers and industrialists) sensitisation workshop on Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) Safety and Security Measures at workplaces in Kampala.

Bigirimana said those found unregistered contrary to the Operational, Safety and Health Act, 2006 will be given 21 days in which to comply or be closed, as per the law.

He said all workplaces must promote the safety and security of various chemicals.

"The CBRNE are indispensable in many economic activities. However, their misuse or failure to follow best practice is costly as they pose a wide range of safety, health and security hazards," Bigirimana added.

He stressed that although Uganda is a non-possessor state of chemical weapons, it is pursuing peaceful and developmental agenda on the use of chemicals and other biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives.

"Some of the chemicals used in industries could pose a threat to the population if not managed well. As the East African Community moves towards more open borders within the integration context, it is important to underscore the need for greater chemical safety and security in both national and sub-regions. But it starts from our homes and workplaces," he said.

A recent study done by the ministry on the usage and protection of chemicals at various workplaces indicates that 55% of the 22 sampled stations were not registered contrary to the Operational, Safety and Health Act, 2006.

Innocent Batambuze, a senior occupational hygienist, said 41% of the workplaces had improper ventilation, while 72% lacked emergency preparedness and response such as eye wash and safety showers.

The Federation of Uganda Employers executive director, Opio Douglas, said there is need to increase the inspection to check compliancy. He said there is also need to up the awareness campaign in all workplaces so as to promote safety and management of chemicals at all levels.