NSSA elevates workplace safety agenda with high-level engineers’ summit

SAMUEL NJINGA IN MASVINGO

Cash-rich National Social Security Authority (NSSA) has reinforced its commitment to workplace safety and industrial efficiency, Business Times can report.

Last week, it convened a three-day engineers’ summit in Masvingo, which was run under the theme “Occupational Safety and Health: Technology and the Future of Work”.

 

 The event brought together engineers, safety experts, and industry leaders to explore innovative strategies for enhancing workplace safety amid Zimbabwe’s evolving industrial landscape.

The summit focused on the integration of safety standards with technological advancements, leadership-driven risk management, and the role of engineers in shaping the future of occupational health.

With increasing industrialization and infrastructure development in Zimbabwe, the event underscored the critical balance between workplace safety and operational efficiency.

Key industry professionals delivered expert-led presentations on modern occupational safety practices and their impact on business sustainability. Masvingo City Engineer Edward Mukaratirwa emphasized the importance of proactive risk management, advocating for a structured approach to identifying and mitigating workplace hazards.

“Workplace safety is not just a compliance requirement—it is a core business imperative,” Mukaratirwa stated, urging companies to prioritize safety investments as part of their long-term operational strategy.

Engineer Tshiyakwakhiwe Ncube of Unki Mine highlighted the role of leadership in fostering a safety-conscious workplace culture. His presentation detailed how executive decision-making influences safety policies, worker behavior, and overall productivity. “Safety leadership starts at the top. Without strong commitment from management, safety measures become mere policies on paper,” Ncube noted.

Discussions also covered the use of workplace inspections as strategic tools for informed decision-making. Experts stressed that inspections should be more than regulatory checklists—they should be integrated into broader safety improvement processes that enhance efficiency while ensuring worker well-being.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare Edgar Moyo reaffirmed the government’s dedication to workplace safety as a pillar of national development. He emphasized that prioritizing occupational health is essential for achieving Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 industrialization agenda.

“This summit is not just about safety compliance; it is about creating a culture where safety and productivity go hand in hand. A safe workforce is a productive workforce, and this is fundamental to our national economic aspirations,” Moyo stated.

He further urged engineers and industry leaders to move beyond basic compliance and embrace a forward-thinking approach to workplace safety. “We must shift from reactive risk management to proactive hazard anticipation. As Zimbabwe industrializes, safety must be embedded in every stage of our economic transformation,” he said.

Moyo also highlighted major infrastructure projects, such as the Harare-Bulawayo Highway and renewable energy plants, as examples of initiatives where safety standards must be rigorously upheld to ensure both worker protection and sustainable development.

To bridge theory with practice, the summit included site visits to key industrial projects, including the Mutirikwi Hydroelectric Power Station and the Manhize Steel Plant Project in Chirumhanzu. These visits provided participants with firsthand exposure to large-scale safety applications in high-risk work environments.

At the Mutirikwi Hydroelectric Power Station, engineers and safety practitioners examined the integration of safety protocols in energy infrastructure maintenance, while the visit to Manhize Steel Plant focused on heavy industry safety regulations and technological advancements in metallurgical engineering.

The practical component of the summit underscored the importance of embedding safety considerations into every phase of industrial project planning and execution. Attendees engaged directly with on-site engineers and project managers to discuss best practices in workplace hazard prevention.

Beyond technical discussions, the summit provided a platform for networking and professional collaboration. A closing reception allowed industry leaders, engineers, and safety professionals to exchange insights, fostering a community dedicated to continuous improvement in workplace safety standards.

The NSSA engineers’ summit not only reinforced Zimbabwe’s commitment to occupational safety but also set the stage for future policy advancements and industry-wide collaborations. As the country accelerates its industrial growth, a well-protected and safety-conscious workforce will be a key driver of sustainable economic progress.

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