Proposed Law Empowers Workers to Say ‘No’ to Unsafe Work

Employees will soon have the legal right to refuse tasks that pose immediate threats to their health or safety, under the newly gazetted Occupational Safety and Health Bill.

The legislation, introduced by the Government last week, seeks to reduce workplace accidents, improve health standards, and align national labour laws with international conventions.

The Bill empowers workers to decline duties deemed dangerous if the risks have not been adequately addressed.

It also protects them from dismissal or any form of retaliation for exercising this right.

“Every worker shall have the right to refuse to do work which is likely to cause imminent danger to his or her safety or health, which has not been rendered safe,” the Bill states.

To strengthen oversight and enforcement, the Bill proposes the creation of the Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Council and a dedicated Department of Occupational Safety and Health under the National Social Security Authority (NSSA).

Clause 13 places a legal obligation on employers to maintain safe working environments, while Clause 5 introduces the Medical Bureau of Occupational Diseases to certify and monitor workplace-related illnesses.

According to NSSA data, the country recorded 4,912 serious workplace accidents and 76 fatalities in 2022.

In 2023, the figures dropped slightly to 4,334 accidents and 60 deaths, while 2024 saw 4,242 accidents and 70 fatalities.

Within the first two months of this year alone, 720 injuries and 12 deaths were reported—mostly in high-risk sectors such as mining, construction, manufacturing and agriculture.

The Herald reports that many of these incidents stem from outdated equipment, inadequate training, and lack of protective gear.

The Bill addresses these gaps by mandating employers to implement comprehensive occupational health programmes, including hazard identification, risk assessments, and surveillance of worker exposure to harmful agents.

“Every employer must have occupational health services programmes and systems for the purposes of surveillance of the working environment,” the Bill reads.

Workers and their representatives will also be entitled to receive safety-related information, participate in consultations, and undergo training during paid working hours.

“Workers shall be entitled to be consulted by employers on all aspects of occupational safety and health associated with their work and may propose preventive measures,” the Bill adds.

Labour experts have welcomed the proposed law, citing its alignment with international labour standards.

Labour lawyer Dr Rodgers Matsikidze said, “Sections 13 and 14 are in line with various ILO (International Labour Organisation) Conventions on Occupational Health and Safety. Clearly they place an onus on the employer to ensure there is a safe working environment.”

He added, “The whole idea is to safeguard employees from preventable deaths, injuries and sickness.

“This balances the need for the well-being of employees and also the employer to ensure a safe working environment. So it will be a key legislation especially in mining, engineering and water, sewer industries.”

The Bill is expected to be tabled before Parliament soon.

The relevant portfolio committee will conduct public hearings to gather feedback from stakeholders before the legislation is debated in the House.

Authorities believe that the new law will not only protect workers but also enhance productivity and reduce economic losses linked to workplace injuries and diseases.