World Day for Safety and Health Commemorated in Kenya

ILO News (Kenya) The Republic of Kenya has observed the World Day for Safety and Health at Work in Nakuru on 28th April 2024. The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection lead the commemoration alongside the International Labour Organization (ILO), Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), and Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU). The event, organized by the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSHS), showcased a series of initiatives that aimed at promoting occupational safety and health (OSH) practices across the country.

The commemoration began with a vibrant procession by Occupational Safety and Health Officers, workers and employer representatives, in Nakuru Town, followed by a ceremony at Nyayo Gardens Stadium. The event symbolized a collective commitment to prioritizing safety and health at workplaces and reaffirming dedication to fostering safe and healthy environments for all.

During the commemoration, DOSHS assured workers of the directorate’s support towards mitigating the challenges in occupational health and safety that have arisen from the adverse impacts of climate change. This is in addition to services that are readily provided by the Directorate, including workplace inspections and audits, medical examinations and surveillance, training in occupational safety and health, first aid and fire safety, hygiene measurements, workplace registration, risk assessments, test and examination of plant and work injury compensation processing, among others.

© ILO

© ILO

According to the Secretary of Occupational Safety and Health Dr. Musa Nyandusi, “the services offered by the Directorate are now at a new level, owing to the teamwork and support of National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH), the apex advisory organ that articulates matters for the sake of good safety and health culture of workers in the country. Further, development partners, including the International Labour Organization (ILO), the World Bank and other stakeholders, have been of great importance in supporting this Directorate”.

The commemoration spanned several days and featured a range of activities designed to raise awareness and foster dialogue on crucial OSH issues. Among the highlights were:

• First Aid Challenge: A hands-on competition aimed at testing and enhancing first aid skills among participants from various organizations in the country.
• Fire Fighting Challenge: An engaging event focused on honing fire safety and response capabilities.
• Medical Camps: Outreach programs providing essential healthcare services to workers and community members.
• OSH Conference where Organizations and academicians convened to showcase best practices and cutting-edge research in improving occupational safety and health in workplaces across Kenya.
• Occupational Safety and Health Officers’ Conference where the DOSHS inspectorate officers gathered to discuss best practices and initiatives aimed at enhancing workplace safety standards. Key topics included the Labour Inspection Toolkit, a vital resource for ensuring compliance with safety regulations that was developed under the support of ILO through the All Hands in Kenya Project.

“By confronting the intersection of climate change and occupational safety and health with resolve and solidarity, we can build a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable future for all," ILO Country Director, East Africa region, Ms. Caroline Mugalla.

DOSHS, a department within the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, plays a pivotal role in ensuring safety and health in workplaces across Kenya. Governed by the Occupational Safety and Health Act (2007) and Work Injury Benefits Act, 2007, DOSHS enforces regulations and guidelines while overseeing compliance mechanisms such as the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH).

NACOSH was established under Section 27 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 2007 to advise the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, on policy and legislative matters. NACOSH further advises the Cabinet Secretary on International Labour Organization conventions, recommendations, protocols, and instruments relating to occupational safety, health, and work injury compensation. NACOSH also plays other roles, including the promotion, establishment, and maintenance of a safety and health-preventive culture among the working population in our country.

As the commemoration concluded, stakeholders reiterated their commitment to promoting a culture of safety, resilience, and sustainability in the workplace. By embracing best practices and fostering collaboration, Kenya aims to create safer, healthier, and more sustainable working environments for all its citizens.