Workplace Safety Law strengthened



Ndawa says the OHSI law now is mandated to serve all sectors of the economy

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 
Lusaka, Zambia24 — (January 17, 2026) — Zambia has strengthened workplace safety and health protections as President Hakainde Hichilema assented to the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Bill No. 17 of 2025, now the Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 16 of 2025.

Ministry of Labour and Social Security Principal Public Relations Officer Mwaka Ndawa told journalists in a statement that the Bill was assented to on December 23, 2025, and has since become law as the Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 16 of 2025.

She described the development as a major milestone in the protection of workers’ health and safety nationwide.

Ms. Ndawa said the new Act empowers the Occupational Health and Safety Institute (OHSI) to extend occupational health services to all sectors of the economy, noting that since 1945 such services had largely been confined to the mining sector.

She explained that the narrow focus of the previous law left workers in many industries exposed to occupational diseases, a gap the new legislation seeks to close by ensuring comprehensive coverage across the entire labour market.

Ms. Ndawa stated that the Act mandates the establishment of workplace health and safety committees with equal representation from employers and employees, a measure intended to promote shared responsibility and improve compliance with occupational safety standards.

She added that enforcement mechanisms have been strengthened by enhancing the authority of authorised officers, a move aimed at improving oversight and safeguarding workers across the country.

Ms. Ndawa further said that Ministry of Labour and Social Security Permanent Secretary Zechariah Luhanga has urged the Occupational Health and Safety Institute to implement the Act effectively in line with national development priorities and internationally recognised occupational safety and health standards.

She said the enactment of the Occupational Health and Safety Act represents a significant step towards eliminating occupational diseases and creating safer, healthier working environments throughout Zambia.

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