This came out at this year`s National World Day for Safety and Health at Work commemorationsrecently held in the city of Mutare.
Speaking at the occasion that was attended by politicians, captains of industries and workers from across the country, Manicaland Provincial Medical Director, Dr Tapiwa Murambi, described the injuries and deaths as “scary”.
He urged companies to invest in occupational safety and management strategies to arrest the trend.
“The benefits (of the strategies) are numerous and include increases in productivity and product quality and limited safety and health risks,” said Murambi.
“As for Zimbabwe, the economy is emerging from a decade of excessive depression, contraction and hyper inflation. A desire for a safe, healthy and sustainable economic recovery and growth which ushers decent jobs for our people is our national priority,'' he added.
Murambi said a total of 1,7 million people across the world die of work related diseasesevery year. A review of safety and health national performance in the last five years reveals that in the year 2007, there were 6 117 serious occupational injuries of which 72 were fatal.
In 2008, there were 3 810 serious injuries with 65 fatalities while in 2009, there were 3 122 serious accidents of which 64 were fatal.
The year 2010 recorded 4 410 serious injuries with 90 were fatalities and last year, the figure dropped slightly to 4 111 serious injuries and 75 deaths.
Murambi said occupational accidents and diseases represent a considerable economic burden for individuals, employers and society.
“Some of the costs include labour turnover, damaged equipment or lost income,''said Murambi. The 2012 commemorations focused on the romotion of occupational safety and health.
Post published in: News