Kenya enacts laws to promote safety at the workplace

The Kenyan government has partnered with industry and labor unions to enforce legal instruments that promote safety in the workplace, officials said on Tuesday.

Acting Labor Minister Rachelle Omamo said Kenya has adopted global instruments to ensure the workplace is safe and conducive to workers of all cadres.

"Safety in the workplace is not only a legal imperative but also guarantees higher productivity. We have developed guidelines that promote occupational health in factories and offices," Omamo said.

She made the remarks in Nairobi during the occasion to mark World Day on Safety and Health at Work that falls on Tuesday.

The World Health Organization (WHO) contends that 2.3 million people die annually across the globe due to work related injuries.

Omamo noted that Kenya has grappled with a high toll of accidents in work stations due to regulatory and infrastructure hiccups.

"Provision of safe and healthy working environments is supported by the constitution. The ministry of labor has carried out rigorous inspections in factories to ensure they observe occupational health," she said.

Kenya's ministry of labor in 2014 inspected 5,113 workplaces to ensure they comply with legislation on occupational safety and health. According to the minister, the government and industries have been providing comprehensive medical tests to workers exposed to hazardous substances.

"We have trained workers and representatives of labor federations on occupational safety. The enactment of work injury benefits act has enhanced processing of claims for injured personnel," Omamo said.

She revealed the cabinet has approved a national policy on occupational safety for high risk sectors like manufacturing and construction. Endi