OHSI BILL SET TO TRANSFORM WORKPLACE SAFETY PASSES THIRD READING

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Posted by admin on December 3, 2025 at 5:39 AM

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The Occupational Health and Safety Institute (OHSI) Bill No. 17 of 2025 has passed its Third Reading in the National Assembly and now awaits Presidential assent to become law, marking a historic milestone in Zambia’s workplace safety reforms.

Minister of Labour and social security Brenda Mwika Tambatamba highlighted that Continuation of OHSI will remain in existence but with redefined functions and a reconstituted Board to enhance governance and accountability.

She said all workplaces will be required to establish health and safety committees with equal representation from employers and employees.

“The law extends occupational health and safety regulation beyond the mining sector to all industries.” She stated.

Ms Tambatamba further said Authorized officers will be empowered to suspend or close workplaces that pose imminent danger to workers or the public.

She said once assented to by President Hakainde Hichilema, the new law will repeal and replace the Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 36 of 2010, addressing long-standing gaps such as narrow sectoral coverage and weak enforcement mechanisms.

Ms Tambatamba added that to support the reforms, government has revised medical examination fees for pneumoconiosis and related occupational health assessments under Statutory Instrument No. 70 of 2025, signed by Labour Minister Brenda Mwika Tambatamba, MP.

She underscored that the Pre-Employment Examination: K680.40, Periodic Examination: K491.20, Discharge Examination: K806.40, Post-Employment Examination: K806.40 and Post-Mortem Histology (Lung, Heart, Brain): K882 each