Occupational Health and Safety Institute

01/10/2026

What is your take on this design? Architects, have you read the act????

A person who designs or constructs a building or structure, or part of a building or structure who knows that it will be used as a workplace shall ensure, that it is designed or constructed to be safe and without risks to the health or safety of persons using it. A person who designs, manufactures or supplies an article, device, item, plant or substance for use by persons at a workplace that risks the health of employees contravenes the Law.

30/09/2026

Industrial Hygiene!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How are your ears doing????

23/09/2026

*OHSI ENGAGES AGRICULTURE SECTOR ON NEW OHS ACT REGULATIONS*

Lusaka, 22nd September 2026

This afternoon, the Occupational Health and Safety Institute (OHSI) successfully held a stakeholder engagement meeting for the Agriculture Sector with the Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU), Zambia Farm Employers Association (ZFEA) and the National Union of Plantation, Agriculture and Allied Workers (NUPAAW).

The engagement focused on the proposed regulations and schedule of fees under the Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 16 of 2025.

Notably present at the meeting were representatives from the Business Regulatory Review Agency (BRRA)

The Institute has been conducting a series of consultations with stakeholders from key sectors of the economy to get input and feedback on the newly enacted OHS Act proposed regulations and schedule of fees.

The aim is to ensure regulations that are sector specific and speaking to the realities of different sectors looking at their varying risks and hazards.

23/09/2026

Visit our Stand at the Build Zambia 2026 Conference & Expo at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka.

22/09/2026

GROW ZAMBIA AGENDA ACHIEVABLE WITH OHS, SAYS PS LUHANGA

Lusaka, 22nd September 2026

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Mr. Zecharia Luhanga says the Grow Zambia Agenda is achievable with the incorporation of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in all sectors of the economy.

Speaking when he officiated at the OHSI Stakeholder Engagement at Southern Sun Hotel in Lusaka, Mr. Luhanga said economic growth flourishes when worker protection is enhanced.

Mr. Luhanga noted that growth becomes more meaningful when it is inclusive, like the OHS Act No. 16 of 2025 which extends protection to all imcluding vulnerable groups in the informal economy such as artisanal miners.

The stakeholder engagement has been convened for OHSI to get feedback from various sectors on the proposed regulations and schedule of fees under the new Act.

And OHSI Director General, Dr. Martha Chakulimba said the Institute is committed to ensuring worker protection in all sectors of the economy in order to support Government's efforts in fostering economic growth.

The consultation has attracted stakeholders from mining, construction, agriculture, manufacturing and the informal sector.

22/09/2026

22/09/2026

With health and productive workers, we can build Zambia.

Visit our stand at the Build Zambia 2026 Conference and Expo at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka which is starting tomorrow Wednesday 23rd September 2026 under the theme: "Driving Inclusive Infrastructure Development for an Equitable Zambia"

16/09/2026

ACT NUMBER 16 OF 2025 EXPLIANED

15/09/2026

Video for illustrative purpose only

The Difference between a RISK and a HAZARD

This is a classic safety example.

1. What is the HAZARD?

The HAZARD is the exposed / energized electric cables.

A Hazard is anything that has the potential to cause harm.

In this case:

- Electric cables can cause electrocution, electric shock, burns, fire.

- That potential for harm exists whether the dog is there or not. The cable itself IS the HAZARD.

2. What is the RISK?

The RISK is the chance that someone / something WILL get harmed by that hazard, and how bad it will be.

A Risk is Likelihood x Severity

In this case:
- HIGH RISK of electrocution and death of the dog if the cable is live.

- HIGH RISK of electrocution to a worker who touches the dog or the cable.

- HIGH RISK of fire / explosion if the chewing damages insulation and causes a short circuit in a workshop that may have flammable materials, fuel, wood dust.

- MEDIUM RISK of trip and fall for workers over the loose cables.

3. WHY is it a high risk?

The risk is high because 3 things are coming together:

a) Likelihood is HIGH:

- Cables lying on the floor = easy to access

- Dog is _actively_ chewing = direct contact is happening

- Workshop = people walking around, wet floors, metal tools which conduct electricity

b) Severity is HIGH:

- Electricity doesn't just give a small shock. 220-240V mains can cause cardiac arrest, severe burns, death.

- If it causes a fire in a workshop, the whole building can burn.

c) The control measures are MISSING:
- Cables should be elevated, covered, or in conduits

- Animals should not be allowed in a workshop

- Cables should be isolated/unplugged when not in use

- Dog should be removed immediately

07/09/2026

This afternoon, OHSI conducted a sensitisation meeting for stakeholders in Maamba. The session was held at Maamba Energy Limited ahead of tomorrow’s training on risk assessment.