Ministry of Labour calls for safer workplaces
By Judgement Katika……
The Ministry of Labour has emphasized the critical need for collaboration between large corporations and the informal sector.
This call to action comes in light of persistent challenges faced by informal sector workers, who often lack basic protections and face unsafe working conditions.
During the commemoration of the World Day for Safety and Health at work held in Lilongwe Tuesday, Minister of Labour Agnes NyaLonje underscored the importance of extending safety measures to all workers, irrespective of their employment status.
The minister highlighted prevalent issues such as inadequate amenities saying workers endure harsh conditions without basic facilities like water and sanitation.
Recognition of the substantial contribution of the informal sector to Malawi’s economy, the minister said formal businesses must engage informal sector workers.
This engagement she said, is envisioned to bridge the gap in safety standards between large corporations and smaller, often marginalised enterprises.
“The bulk of our economy in Malawi rides on the back of all those workers that are working in the informal sector every day facing untold challenges, collaboration is good because more hands on deck do the job faster and that is what matters.” She said.
She further urged big companies to take proactive steps in liaising with informal sector workers. By extending resources, expertise, and safety protocols, large corporations can play a pivotal role in uplifting safety standards across the entire spectrum of Malawi’s workforce.
“Companies like Mota-Engil should use the facilities at their disposal to reach out to the informal sector. They should reach out to Technical Education, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA) graduates who are now manufacturing their shoes locally, to increase job opportunities as the government is implementing the Agriculture Tourism and Mining ATM strategy,” Nyalonje added.
Public Relations officer of Mota-Engil Thomas Chafunya added said the company is committed to fostering a culture of workplace safety and health that extends beyond their formal setting.
“We recognize the importance of ensuring the well-being of all workers, regardless of whether they operate within the formal or informal sector. Our goal is to embrace and support workers across diverse economic activities, promoting a safe and healthy environment for everyone.” He said.
Efforts to improve workplace safety in the informal sector will be bolstered by the forthcoming National Occupational Safety and Health Policy. This aims to include targeted strategies to address the specific challenges faced by informal sector workers, including the provision of protective gear and the enforcement of safety regulations.
As the Ministry of Labour forges ahead with its National Occupational Safety and Health Policy, stakeholders across the formal and informal sectors are encouraged to join forces in realizing the vision of a safer, healthier, and more equitable work environment for all Malawians.
