Parliament has on Wednesday adopted a motion of the National Occupational Health and Safety Policy that was tabled by Labour and Home Affairs minister, Major General Pius Mokgware.

Responding to MPs contributions, Minister Mokgware thanked the MPs for supporting the motion, saying the policy would ensure a culture of safety was inculcated in the workplace across the country.

“So, safety should start with all of us. We should ensure we take our country forward, as a healthy nation. An unsafe and unhealthy working environment, on its own, leads to low levels of productivity and competitiveness. This is why I want to thank all of you for supporting the adoption of this policy,” he added.

When tabling the motion, prior to the debates, Minister Mokgware had explained that the OHS policy was aimed at developing an internationally competitive workforce for the overall productivity of the nation.

Once developed, he said the policy would prevent hazards in the workplaces by assisting in minimising the risks of work-related accidents, injuries and diseases.

Additionally, he said the policy would also address the deficiencies and extend the scope of occupational safety and health inspections and enforcement to include all spheres of work within the economy.

The draft policy, he said was submitted to Cabinet and was approved to be presented to parliament. He also added that the policy commenced in 2012 through technical and financial assistance from the International Labour Organisation. ENDS