OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH
INTRODUCTION
The Department of Occupational Safety and Health, which operates under the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, was established in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which shed light on the crucial role of this department. Since its inception, the department has diligently worked for a period of four years and is headquartered in Mogadishu.
The primary objective of the department is to safeguard the well-being of all workers in the country. It recognizes the importance of a collaborative approach and actively engages in partnerships with Federation of trade union, Somali chamber of commerce and industry. These three entities form a tripartite alliance, working together to address occupational safety and health concerns.
The Department establishes strong working relationships with prominent international organizations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), World Health Organization (WHO), and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Through these partnerships, the department strives to enhance and promote occupational safety and health practices throughout Somalia.
DEPARTMENT STRUCTURE
The vision of the Department of Occupational Safety and Health is to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for all employers and promote their well-being.
The mission of the Department of Occupational Safety and Health is to establish and enforce occupational safety and health regulations to minimize workplace hazards and ensure compliance for the protection of workers.
The Department of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is responsible for ensuring the safety, health, and well-being of workers in various industries. Its responsibilities typically include the following:
1. Regulatory Development and Enforcement
• Developing Regulations: Create and update regulations, laws, and standards related to workplace safety and health.
• Enforcing Compliance: Ensure that employers adhere to established safety and health standards through inspections and penalties for non-compliance.
2. Workplace Inspections
• Conducting Inspections: Perform regular inspections of workplaces to identify and address potential safety hazards.
• Monitoring Compliance: Monitor ongoing adherence to safety regulations and take corrective actions when necessary.
3. Accident Investigation
• Investigating Incidents: Investigate workplace accidents, injuries, and illnesses to determine causes and recommend preventive measures.
• Reporting: Require and oversee the reporting of workplace incidents and maintain records for analysis and improvement.
4. Education and Training
• Training Programs: Develop and deliver training programs for workers and employers on occupational safety and health practices.
• Awareness Initiatives: Promote safety awareness through workshops, seminars, and public campaigns.
5. Hazard Identification and Risk Management
• Risk Assessments: Conduct assessments to identify potential workplace hazards.
• Implementing Controls: Recommend and enforce measures to control or mitigate identified risks.
6. Policy Implementation and Evaluation
• Implementing Safety Policies: Oversee the implementation of national safety and health policies in workplaces.
• Evaluating Effectiveness: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of safety programs and policies and suggest improvements.
7. Data Collection and Analysis
• Collecting Data: Gather data on workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.
• Analyzing Trends: Analyze trends and patterns in workplace safety to inform policy and regulatory changes.
8. Emergency Preparedness and Response
• Emergency Planning: Develop and implement emergency response plans for workplace-related incidents.
• Coordinating Responses: Work with other agencies to coordinate responses to workplace emergencies and disasters.
9. Advisory Services
• Consultation: Provide expert advice and consultation to employers and workers on improving workplace safety and health.
• Technical Support: Offer technical assistance in the implementation of safety measures and equipment.
10. Collaboration and Partnerships
• Working with Stakeholders: Collaborate with other government agencies, industry groups, unions, and international organizations to promote workplace safety.
• Promoting Best Practices: Share and promote best practices in occupational safety and health across industries.
11. Licensing and Permits
• Issuing Permits: Oversee the issuance of licenses and permits related to safety and health standards in workplaces.
• Renewal and Compliance Checks: Ensure compliance with licensing requirements and conduct periodic reviews.
These responsibilities are vital to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment, preventing workplace accidents and illnesses, and promoting the overall well-being of workers.
the core values of the Department of Occupational Safety and Health are:
- Safety
- Integrity
- Collaboration
- Professionalism
- Innovation
- Empowerment
- Developing and implementing safety regulations to ensure the well-being of workers.
- Conducting inspections and enforcing compliance to maintain a safe working environment.
- Providing training and educational programs to increase awareness of occupational hazards and promote best practices.
- Investigating workplace incidents, identifying causes, and implementing preventive measures for continuous improvement in occupational safety.
- Collaborating with trade unions, industry associations, and stakeholders to foster a cooperative approach to occupational safety and health.
- Conducting research and analysis to identify emerging occupational hazards.
- Raising awareness among employers and employees about their rights and responsibilities regarding occupational safety and health, empowering them to actively contribute to a safer work environment.