THE UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA

SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES

DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT AND MANAGEMENT STUDIES

NAME: CHALI ELIOT

COMPUTER NO.: 2019020394

COURSE CODE: 9085

COURSE NAME: OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT

(OSHM)

LECTURER NAME: MR. K. NAMANGALA

TASK: TWO (2)

EMAIL ADDRESS: chalihelliott@gmail.com

MOBILE NUMBER: 0971948599

DUE DATE: 12TH MAY, 2023.

QUESTION:

Using an organisation of your choice within Zambian analyze how OSHM has been
implemented. Further give critical recommendations of what would be done to enhance
pragmatic improvements in line with critical provisions of Zambia’s Organisational Health
Safety Management Act, Policy and General Legislation.
INTRODUCTION

Occupational safety and health management (OSHM) is an essential aspect of ensuring a safe
and healthy work environment for employees in any of the organisations around the world. In
Zambia, a number of organizations have implemented OSHM policies and practices into place to
adhere to the OSHM Act of the nation and improve workplace safety. The following are a few of
the organizations, government entities, and industries in Zambia that have put the OSHM Act
into practice: China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), Lafarge Zambia,
Zambia Sugar Company, ZESCO, Konkola and Mopani Copper Mines Plc, and numerous others.

Currently, the implementation of occupational safety and health management, as well as the rise
in accidents and health issues, are two of Zambian organizations' most urgent concerns
(Solicitors, 2010). Examples of incidents that take place in these businesses include: contact with
moving machinery or material; being struck by moving, flying, or falling object; being hit by
moving vehicle; being struck against something fixed or stationary; being hurt while handling,
lifting, or carrying objects; slips, trips, and falls on the same level and from a height; being
trapped by something collapsing; drowning or asphyxiating; exposed to, or in contact with, a
harmful substance; exposed to fire, exposure (Hughes and Ferrett, 2007).

Musculoskeletal disorders, dermatitis or asbestosis, radiation exposure, stress-related disorders

(from job demands and long work hours), silicosis (lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust),
black lung disease (coal workers' pneumoconiosis), asbestosis (lung disease caused by inhaling
asbestos fibers), noise-induced hearing loss, musculoskeletal disorders, and many other illnesses
are a few of the conditions that can result from working for these companies. (HSE, 2006). As a
result, to mitigate all these hazards, accidents and mine diseases, they have adopted OSHM.

Despite the fact that there are numerous of these companies, I have decided to focus my analysis
on Konkola Copper Mines Plc (KCM). One of Zambia's biggest copper mining and refining
firms, KCM specializes in extracting and processing copper ore from the Copperbelt area. KCM
has implemented a number of OSHM-related initiatives to guarantee the security and well-being

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of its employees in relation to the national Organisational Health Safety Management Act, Policy
and General Legislation.

Therefore, the analysis of this paper will start with definitions of the key concepts, then look at
how OSHM has been implemented at Konkola Copper Mines in Zambia. Finally, I will make
some critical recommendations to the company in order to enhance practical improvements in
accordance with the organizational Health Safety Management Act, policy, and general
legislation of Zambia.

Definition of key concepts

1. Organization

Robbins et al. (2016) defines an organization as "a group of people who work together to
achieve a common goal or objective." This definition emphasizes the collective nature of
organizations and their focus on achieving specific outcomes. Organizations can take many
different forms, from small businesses to large multinational corporations, and can operate in a
wide range of industries and sectors.

2. Occupational Safety and Health Management

According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 1995), Occupational Safety and Health
(OSH) management is defined as "the promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of
physical, mental and social well-being of workers in all occupations by preventing departures
from health, controlling risks and the adaptation of work to people, and people to their jobs" (p.
4).

3. Occupational Health

Keles (2004) discusses the concept of occupational health and safety (OSH) and its importance
in protecting workers from workplace hazards and ensuring their well-being. OSH management
involves the identification, assessment, and control of workplace risks to prevent injuries,

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illnesses, and fatalities. Keles suggests that new perspectives are necessary to address emerging
risks and challenges in the modern workplace.

Analysis of OSHM Implementation in KCM

The implementation of OSHM in an organization involves the development and implementation

of policies, procedures, and practices that promote the health and safety of employees in the
workplace. This can include training, hazard identification and risk assessment, use of personal
protective equipment, and regular health monitoring. Some factors that can impact the
implementation of OSHM in KCM include the organizational culture, leadership commitment,
availability of resources, and regulatory compliance.

According to the Australian Institute of Metallurgy (2001:22), there were various activities
required in any mining project such as project evaluation, exploration, mineral inventory,
resource and mineralogical assessment; mining rehabilitation; mining environmental impacts
(noise, dust, water quality); Legal, regulatory and legislative issues impacting on mining
outcomes, and Local and indigenous people issues. The activities of a mining project had a direct
effect on operational risk at Konkola Copper Mine. Therefore, there is need for not just this mine
to implement the OSHM act but all mines and other organisations that deals with risk working
materials like construction companies or ZESCO.

The investigation of the application of OSHM laws at KCM in Zambia is the main emphasis of
this portion of the assignment. In terms of OSHM implementation, KCM has taken a number of
measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its workers, including:

1. Adoption of the National Safety, Health and Environmental Policy

OSHM has been implemented at KCM through adopting the National Safety, Health and
Environmental Policy where they Comply with applicable national, regional and local Health,

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Safety and Environment ('HSE') regulations and statutory obligations and other requirements as
appropriate (KCM, 2021). They have developed, implement and maintain HSE management
systems aligned with their commitments and beliefs and consistent with world-class standards.
They have also driven continuous improvement in HSE through setting and reviewing targets,
assessing and reporting HSE performance, using appropriate best available practices and
providing all employees with appropriate training.

2. Establishment of OSHM committee

Secondly, the management has established a committee specifically for occupational safety and
health that oversees all matters linked to protecting and ensuring the safety and health of their
employees in order to ensure that OSHM is implemented effectively in the sector. This
committee is there to monitor the effectiveness of its safety policies and procedures and identify
areas for improvement.

3. Training and Education

One of the ways that KCM has implemented OSHM is by providing regular training and
education to its employees on the importance of safety in the workplace. The company has also
implemented a number of safety procedures and protocols to prevent accidents and minimize the
risks associated with its mining activities. For example, KCM has installed safety equipment
such as fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and gas masks in its facilities. Additionally, the
company provides personal protective equipment to its employees, including hard hats, safety
glasses, and respirators. KCM offers excellent career opportunities across the different business
units with the opportunity for employees to make a difference in their respective fields. they seek
a broad range of skills to drive their business and together transform challenges into
opportunities (KCM, 2023). As part of KCM’s strategy to meet the company’s current and future
skills requirements and protect their employees from hazards and accidents, they significantly
invest in employee education and skills development programmes. Through different trainings
that the industry offers its human resource, they are able to develop their skills and become
experts hence reduction of accidents during work.

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 4. Adopting of safety policies made by Mine Safety Department under (MMMD)

Different OSHM policies have been implemented by KCM through the Mine Safety Department
(MSD), which is a division of the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, and are
periodically reviewed by MSD. According to the terms of the Mines Minerals Development Act
number 7 of 2008, the Mines Safety Department (MSD) is in charge of all issues relating to the
health and safety of those working in exploration, mining, and mineral processing operations
across the Republic of Zambia (MMMD, 2022). In order to avoid operational issues of KCM,
they have implemented OSH that assures the safety and health of their personnel in reference to
republican provision OSHM legislation.

5. Implemented a mental health policy

The mine has a policy stating that the employees must be in good physical and mental health.
Because the development and implementation of a workplace mental health policy and
programme always benefit the health of employees, increase productivity for the company and
contribute to the wellbeing of the community at large (Ideas, 1997). The policy gives the official
the authority to express an opinion regarding a miner's suitability in terms of ensuring safety and
good health. The regulation also forbids the consumption of intoxicating liquor on mining
property, and a mine worker is not permitted to sleep on mining property because staying awake
is essential to guaranteeing safety. All of these rules are in place to protect employee health and
safety and lessen workplace accidents.

6. Worker’s supervision

Supervisors from several mine sectors have been appointed to ensure the OSHM's
implementation in KCM effective. According to mining regulation 209, this is done. Anyagre
(2016) stated that the official's perspective on supervision of instruction as a procedure is
consequential in light of the aforementioned. When mine workers view supervision negatively, it
frequently puts them on guard because they believe the supervisor is only there to criticize them
or paint them as unqualified to handle their job assignment. This perspective will negatively
impact their professional development and workers' success. On the other side, employees who

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view supervision as a way to advance their professional growth and boost productivity in their
various departments will notice improvements in both their own personal advancement and the
productivity of their coworkers. This suggests that Reepen and Barr (2010) and Tshabalala
(2013) agree that a work system's efficiency greatly depends on teachers' perspectives on
supervision of instruction.

In addition, KCM has established a health and wellness program to promote the physical and
mental well-being of its employees. The program includes medical screening, health education,
and counseling services. For instance, in April 2017, KCM implemented a sensitization program
called “Nchingilile ubumi”. Employee wellness is one of KCM’s priorities for business growth
and the company encourages its work force to constantly keep fit through exercises and ball
games. The company’s wellness programme for the Financial Year 2018 is currently underway
after over 300 employees and contractor workers took part in the “Nchingilile Ubumi” wellness
programme at Watson Stadium in Chingola recently with the aim of getting fit and healthy.
“Nchingilile Ubumi” is a term in one of the local languages which refers to taking care of one’s
health (KCM, 2017).

To ensure compliance with Zambia's OSHM regulations, KCM has established an OSH
department responsible for implementing and monitoring safety programs. The department
conducts regular safety audits and inspections to identify hazards and ensure that control
measures are in place. Apart from establishing a committee, KCM has formed the department
that looks over all issues to do with safety and health management in the company. Safety is their
number one priority and they operate by the ethos that “if something is not safe, do not do it”. All
employees are systematically trained to minimize risk while ensuring efficiency. Audits, both
internal and external, are conducted at regular intervals to ensure that all safety measures are in
place and are being followed. For instance, KCM is a member of the British Safety Council and
is regularly audited by the British Standards Institute (BSI)

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RECOMMENDATIONS

Progressive industries have launched many initiatives to enhance their OSHM in work places as
a result their factories Act has mandated provisions in hazardous industries, this includes
Konkola Copper Mine Plc. Therefore, there are gaps that still need to be filled by these
industries, KCM to be specific. And the following are the identified recommendation that I feel
should be made in KCM in order to enhance pragmatic improvements in line with critical
provisions of Zambia’s Organisational Health Safety Management Act, Policy and General
Legislation.

1. Investing in updated science and Technology

The mining and mineral processing activities in Zambia pose significant environmental pollution
hazards, both from current production and historical mining operations. Aongola et al. (2009)
highlight the environmental problems associated with waste dumps, including waste rock and
slag dumps, tailings dams, and tailings ponds. These can lead to geotechnical instability and
potentially cause health issues, particularly when used for water supply, fishing, or crop growing.
One specific concern is the potential for acid mine drainage due to Sulphide materials present in
this mine waste when exposed to oxygen and water (Lindahl, 2014).

This can result in the contamination of water bodies and surrounding environments, posing risks
to human health and ecosystems. In order to protect workers and mitigate environmental
pollution, KCM need not only effective policies but also advanced equipment. Installation of

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proper machinery equipped with water safety suction seals can prevent air and water pollution.
Additionally, the implementation of dilution air inlets with filters to remove atmospheric dust can
ensure cleaner air intake for drying towers. It is important for KCM to invest in updated
technologies that align with current demands and regulatory standards. By adopting more
advanced and efficient equipment, mining operations can minimize environmental pollution and
reduce the potential health risks associated with mining activities.

An incident that exemplifies the need for developed equipment in mining is the mysterious death
and explosion that occurred in March 2005. During this incident, miners tragically lost their
lives, and the cause of the explosion remained unknown. The lack of understanding surrounding
the explosive's origin underscored the necessity for advanced equipment to enhance safety
measures in mining operations. This incident was reported by Zambia Daily Mail, highlighting
the importance of investing in improved technologies and safety protocols to prevent accidents
and protect the lives of miners.

2. Effective and frequent trainings and employee’s education

Various authors have documented the diverse risks associated with mining activities and their
environmental impacts in Africa. The World Bank (2002), Fraser and Lungu (2006), Lindahl
(2014), Rembuluwani et al. (2014), and Aboka et al. (2018) have discussed these risks
extensively. Environmental hazards such as acid mine drainage, heavy metal contamination, and
the presence of tailings dams from metallurgical processing have been reported, specifically in
relation to copper and cobalt extraction. To mitigate these risks, it is crucial for Konkola Copper
Mines (KCM) to have a competent and stable workforce with proper knowledge of mine
equipment and overall mining operations. Adequate worker education and training programs are
recommended to ensure that employees are familiar with the equipment they work with and are
aware of potential hazards. Research conducted by Chabala Christopher in 2005 highlighted the
lack of proper orientations and training within KCM, as some workers interviewed had limited
knowledge about certain equipment or their usage.

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Implementing comprehensive training initiatives and orientations can help enhance worker
competence, improve safety awareness, and minimize the occurrence of accidents and
environmental risks in mining operations. As a result, these trainings and Education provide
comprehensive training programs to all employees, covering topics such as hazard identification,
safe work practices, emergency procedures, and proper use of personal protective equipment
(PPE). Regular refresher training should be conducted to reinforce safety knowledge and skills.

3. Risk assessment

KCM recognizes the importance of having a dedicated committee responsible for conducting risk
assessments in their mining operations. This committee, comprised of safety professionals,
subject matter experts, and representatives from various departments within KCM, will
systematically and comprehensively identify potential hazards and evaluate their impact on
worker safety and health. However, for this committee to be effective and prevent the well-being
of their workers they need to implementing this framework which aims to ensure the effective
management of risks and the implementation of appropriate control measures.

i. Firstly, the committee need to diligently identify hazards specific to the mining
industry, such as potential cave-ins, equipment malfunctions, chemical exposures,
and transportation risks.
ii. Thereafter, each hazard needs to be carefully assessed and prioritized, regardless
of its perceived magnitude, to ensure that all risks are properly addressed. For
example, risks associated with working at heights, such as falls from scaffolding
or elevated platforms, will be evaluated and given appropriate attention.
iii. Upon identifying and prioritizing risks, the committee need to work on
implementing effective control measures. These measures may include
engineering controls like installing safety barriers or ventilation systems,
administrative controls like developing standard operating procedures and
conducting regular safety training, and the use of personal protective equipment
(PPE).

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 iv. Then they need to do regular monitoring and review of the implemented control
measures to ensure their ongoing effectiveness and the continual improvement of
safety practices.
v. Lastly, they need to properly document and communicate. This committee is
responsible for documenting all the findings of the risk assessments, including
hazard identification, risk evaluation, and control measures. Thereafter, clearly
communicate the results to all relevant stakeholders, including workers,
supervisors, and management

By following this comprehensive risk assessment process, KCM aims to proactively identify
hazards, assess risks, and implement suitable control measures. This commitment to rigorous risk
management demonstrates KCM's dedication to enhancing worker safety and health in their
mining operations.

4. Health Surveillance

Implement a comprehensive health surveillance program to monitor the health of employees,

detect occupational diseases or exposure-related health issues at an early stage, and provide
appropriate medical interventions and support. I understand that the mine has an already
implemented these systems which are not that effective. Therefore, Health surveillance systems
in mines are crucial for ensuring the ongoing monitoring and protection of workers' health. These
systems play a vital role in identifying and preventing occupational health hazards, detecting
early signs of work-related illnesses or diseases, and evaluating the effectiveness of control
measures implemented within the mining industry. These systems enable the ongoing monitoring
of workers' health and the identification of potential occupational hazards and risks (Pahwa et al.,
2017).

However, in order to enhance pragmatic improvements in line with critical provisions of

Zambia’s Organisational Health Safety Management Act, Policy and General Legislation. KCM
need to an effective Health surveillance allows for the early detection of work-related illnesses,

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injuries, and diseases, ensuring prompt medical intervention and appropriate preventive measures
(LaMontagne et al., 2017). It helps in monitoring the effectiveness of control measures
implemented to mitigate workplace hazards and in evaluating the overall impact of occupational
health programs (Pahwa et al., 2017). Such systems include; biomedical monitoring, respiratory
health surveillance, noise monitoring and medical examination within the industry.

Therefore, Regular health surveillance also facilitates compliance with legal and regulatory
requirements related to occupational health and safety in the mining industry (LaMontagne et al.,
2017). It promotes a proactive approach to worker health by identifying emerging health trends
and facilitating the development of targeted interventions (Pahwa et al., 2017). Furthermore,
health surveillance systems contribute to the establishment of a culture of safety and health
within mining operations, fostering a commitment to worker well-being and creating a
supportive work environment (LaMontagne et al., 2017).

5. Providing appropriate suits and enforcing OSHM practices for both permanent
mine employees and contract workers

Providing appropriate suits and enforcing OSHM practices for both permanent mine employees
and contract workers is a crucial recommendation to enhance pragmatic improvements in line
with the Zambia’s Organisational Health Safety Management (OSHM) Act, Policy, and General
Legislation. Such measures ensure a safe and healthy working environment for all individuals
involved in mining operations. By providing working appropriate suits, including personal
protective equipment (PPE) such as helmets, goggles, gloves, and safety boots, the mining
company demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding workers' well-being (Smith et al., 2016).
These suits help mitigate various occupational hazards, including physical injuries, chemical
exposures, and respiratory risks. Enforcing OSHM practices ensures that all workers, regardless
of their employment status, receive proper training, are aware of potential hazards, and follow
standardized safety protocols (Wagner et al., 2019).

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Providing appropriate suits and enforcing OSHM for all mine workers, regardless of their
employment status, is an essential recommendation to enhance pragmatic improvements aligned
with Zambia's Organisational Health Safety Management Act, Policy, and General Legislation. It
promotes a safe work environment, protects workers' health, and demonstrates a commitment to
legal compliance and worker well-being

Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) has implemented various measures to ensure occupational health
and safety management (OSHM) within its operations. The company has established policies,
procedures, and training programs to promote a safe and healthy work environment. They have
dedicated safety committees and teams responsible for conducting risk assessments,
implementing control measures, and monitoring compliance. However, there are areas where
improvements can be made to further enhance OSHM in line with the provisions of Zambia's
Organisational Health Safety Management Act, Policy, and General Legislation. Some critical
recommendations for KCM include:

i. Strengthening Risk Assessment Processes: KCM should ensure that comprehensive and
systematic risk assessments are conducted regularly to identify potential hazards and
assess their impact on worker safety and health.
ii. Enhancing Training and Awareness: KCM should provide regular training programs and
awareness campaigns for all employees to ensure they have the necessary knowledge and
skills to identify and mitigate workplace hazards. This should include specific training on
the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to safety protocols.
iii. Improving Safety Equipment and Technology: KCM should invest in modern safety
equipment and technology to enhance worker protection. This includes providing
appropriate PPE, improving ventilation systems, and utilizing advanced monitoring
systems to detect potential risks and prevent accidents.
iv. Strengthening Contractor Safety Management: KCM should establish robust contractor
management systems to ensure that contractors working on their sites adhere to the same
high safety standards as permanent employees. This should include clear contractual
agreements, regular safety audits, and effective communication channels.

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 v. Promoting a Safety Culture: KCM should foster a strong safety culture within the
organization, where safety is prioritized by all employees at all levels. This can be
achieved through effective leadership, regular safety communication, recognition of
safety achievements, and employee involvement in safety initiatives.

While KCM has implemented OSHM measures, there is a need for continuous improvement to
align with Zambia's OSHM Act, Policy, and General Legislation. By strengthening risk
assessment processes, enhancing training and awareness, improving safety equipment,
strengthening contractor safety management, and promoting a safety culture, KCM can enhance
pragmatic improvements in occupational health and safety management and create a safer
working environment for its employees

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