Maseru
Supporting Safe and Inclusive Work Environments in Lesotho is a project which was launched on 20 June 2024 at Avani Lesotho by the International Labor Organization. The project funded by the U.S. Embassy targets the improvement of occupational safety and health. It further aims to confront gender-based violence, harassment, and discrimination in Lesotho’s informal economy, public service, and hazardous sectors.
Spokesperson, from Association of Lesotho Employers and Business (ALEB), Advocate Lindiwe Sephomolo explained the importance of the project to employers specifying it will strengthen the capacity of government institutions to monitor and enforce compliance of occupational safety. This enforcement should not only apply to foreign enterprises but to the government too who should lead by example. Another importance which was highlighted was the aim to improve collaboration between stakeholders in order to implement policies, procedures and services which promote occupational safety and health.
Needless to say, such collaborations should be institutionalized and should live beyond the project life. Furthermore, the project will equip trade unions and employer organizations with tools needed to promote a safe working environment. The upkeep of a safe and inclusive workplace is not only entrusted to employers but to employers as well. Their role is to also adopt safe working practices and cooperation with their management. Advocate Sephomolo said case studies have also revealed good occupational safety is linked to good performance and profitability. The project is said to have come at an opportune time and will be put into good use in order to foster safety and inclusivity at the workplace.
Mr. Jullion Cooper who spoke on behalf of the funder- U.S. Embassy shared the significance of the initiative in the strive to occupational safety and health. The United States injected 3million USD into the project. The rights and well being of employees will be accounted for through this project. He added that this will also empower workers’ unions to continue to advocate for fair wages.
Miss Amanda Khozi Mukwashi shared her reflections in a meaningful manner whereby she revealed how this venture affects all of those who form part of the working class. She revealed some are fortunate to work in institutions which allow them to be part of unions. However, other employees do not have this advantage. She further said the right to safety and health is a fundamental human right. According to ILO data, approximately 2.4 billion people across the globe die in a year due to work-related issues.
Safety is a grave concern as it has become abundantly clear there is a no guaranteed safety in the streets, at work or even at home. This has got to stop charged Miss Mukwashi. She urged all to come together to create a conducive environment. Additionally, she said whilst tackling these issues, we should be mindful of marginalized groups i.e. people with disabilities. No one should be left behind!
The project manager Ida Tsitsi Chimedza indulged the audience to a brief overview of the project. The duration of the project is set to take 4 years. As much as the project predominantly addresses occupational safety and health, it will also target issues of gender-based violence and harassment as well as countering discrimination at workplaces. Various stakeholders within the public and private sectors will complement the already existing National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH).
Monitoring and Evaluation is a key component of the program. Base line studies will be conducted which will assist in the development of a sustainable development strategy model. The project will align itself with national structures and systems to enable continuity post the project. Documentation of success stories will also be recorded along the way.
Minister of Labor and Employment Honorable Ts’eliso Mokhosi gave a keynote address where he acknowledged the role played by ILO in the launch of the program. The program has come at a time when the country is grappling with an unprecedented loss of jobs in the manufacturing sector said Honorable Mokhosi. He concluded to say he expects all stakeholders to play their role in making the project a resounding success. He also pledged his support to the project and declared it officially launched.
