GOV’T, WCFCB TO TACKLE ROAD AND WORKPLACE SAFETY

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Posted by admin on October 29, 2025 at 4:52 AM

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Government, in partnership with the Workers’ Compensation Fund Control Board (WCFCB), has launched the Vision Zero awareness campaign in the transport sector, aimed at eliminating fatalities and injuries on roads and in workplaces.

Themed “Towards Zero Harm in Transport,” was unveiled in Chongwe District and marks a significant expansion of Zambia’s occupational safety efforts to include road users. Following  a series of transport-related fatalities and seeks to foster a culture of care, responsibility, and prevention across all sectors.

Minister of Labour and Social Security Brenda Mwika Tambatamba emphasized that “no loss of life is acceptable,” urging collective action to protect workers and road users. She cited ongoing government interventions such as the Lusaka–Ndola dual carriageway project and the Roads and Road Traffic Act No. 11 of 2022 as key steps toward safer transport infrastructure.

“This campaign challenges us to rethink safety and to make zero harm not just a goal, but a standard,” Tambatamba said.

She also highlighted the National Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Policy, launched in 2023, and the Zambia Country Profile on OSH 2025, which will guide practical interventions to prevent workplace accidents and promote health.

Further Minister of Transport and Logistics Frank Tayali noted that Zambia records over 2,000 road fatalities annually, mostly due to human error, speeding, drunk driving, fatigue, and vehicle defects.

He called for a united national effort to improve road safety and announced revisions to the National Road Safety Policy to align with Vision 2030 and the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021–2030).

“Safety is a shared responsibility that demands action from every stakeholder in the transport sector,” Tayali said.

Lusaka Province Minister Sheal Mulyata praised the campaign’s expansion into transport, describing it as a key framework for tackling occupational safety challenges across Zambia and the region.

WCFCB Commissioner and CEO Patrick Siampwili said the Vision Zero initiative is tailored to address sector-specific risks in mining, agriculture, tourism, construction, and transport.

He emphasized its foundation on safety, health, and wellness, and its role in accident prevention, compensation, and rehabilitation.

ILO Country Director Wellington Chibebe pledged the organization’s technical and financial support, reaffirming Vision Zero’s global mission to promote a culture of prevention in workplaces.

Vision Zero is a global initiative developed by the International Social Security Association (ISSA) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) to eliminate workplace accidents and promote holistic safety standards.