Read the paragraphs and answer all the questions below.

Question

Case study 1
Occupational health and safety culture crucial
Building an occupational health and safety culture requires all stakeholders to play a role
in ensuring that the working environment is conducive for workers, and in extension, the
country’s economic growth.
Speaking at the commemoration of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work in
Jwaneng on Friday, the Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Ms Annah Mokgethi said
even though Botswana was yet to ratify the International Labour Organisation (ILO)
Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) conventions, her Ministry had prioritised the
development of an OHS policy intended to strengthen social dialogue on safety and
health issues.
She underscored the need for stakeholders to actively participate in ensuring that
workers’ rights were respected by ensuring a safe and healthy environment for effective
productivity.
“A national occupational safety and health culture is one in which the right to a safe and
healthy working environment is respected at all levels, where governments, employers
and workers actively participate in securing a safe and healthy working environment
through a system of defined rights, responsibilities and duties, and where the highest
priority is accorded to the principle of prevention,” she said.
The Minister said occupational injuries and illnesses did not only affect workers and their
families, but also had adverse effects on the national economy due to production losses,
healthcare costs and compensation costs, among others.
Consequently, she said the commemoration, through the theme ‘A Safe and Healthy
Working Environment Is a Fundamental Principle and Right at Work’, called for the
country to introspect on strides made in ensuring a safe and healthy environment for
workers.
“Essentially, this is a day to direct attention to the world’s governments, including the
Botswana, workers and employers’ organisations to the common agenda, which is the
prevention of work-related accidents, work-related disabilities and work-related deaths.
Ms Mokgethi applauded workers’ federations, the Botswana Federation of Trade Unions
(BFTU) and Botswana Federation of Public, Private and Parastatal Sector Unions
(BOFEPUSU), for their role in continually advancing the rights of workers in the
workplace.
For his part, BFTU secretary general, Mr Thusang Butale said there was need for
formulation of policies that enhanced social dialogue on issues of safety and health in the
workplace. He also called on government to ratify the ILO Conventions 155 and 187,
which collectively set out principles for the establishment of a systems approach and
management of health and safety issues in the workplace.
Mr Onyebo Mafoko of BOFEPUSU said the absence of a national OSH policy and
related instruments created a loophole for organisations to disregard workers safety rights
in the workplace.
He said workers were a fundamental resource for any organisation or country, hence their
safety and health needed to be prioritised for effective development.
A representative of Business Botswana, Mr. Julius Sebako, called on relevant partners to
join hands in ensuring the ILO conventions were effectively implemented for an
improved and strengthened occupational health and safety culture in Botswana.
In her speech the Minister highlighted some effect/consequences of unsafe working
environment. State and discuss the five (5) benefits of a safe working environment.

Answer 1

A safe working environment brings numerous benefits to both workers and employers. Here are five key benefits:

1. Enhanced Employee Health and Well-being: A safe working environment reduces the risk of occupational injuries and illnesses. When employees are not exposed to hazardous conditions, their physical and mental health improves, leading to a healthier workforce overall. This can reduce absenteeism and promote a better work-life balance.

2. Increased Productivity: A safe workplace promotes higher levels of productivity. When employees feel safe and secure, they can focus better on their tasks, leading to increased efficiency and output. Additionally, the absence of work-related accidents means fewer disruptions in workflow, contributing to consistent productivity levels.

3. Reduced Costs: By preventing workplace accidents, organizations can save significantly on costs associated with healthcare, compensation for injuries, legal fees, and lost productivity. A safe environment also minimizes the likelihood of regulatory penalties for non-compliance with safety standards.

4. Improved Employee Morale and Retention: A commitment to safety promotes a positive workplace culture where employees feel valued and cared for. This can enhance employee morale, leading to higher job satisfaction and loyalty. Consequently, improved morale can result in lower turnover rates, which saves costs related to hiring and training new staff.

5. Positive Organizational Reputation: Companies that prioritize occupational health and safety cultivate a positive reputation. This can benefit the organization by attracting top talent and enhancing relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders. A strong safety record can also provide a competitive advantage in the marketplace, showcasing the organization as a responsible and ethical employer.

In summary, creating a safe working environment is vital not just for compliance with legal standards, but also for fostering a thriving workplace that benefits employees, employers, and the overall economy.