MPs question delayed occupational safety, health board operationalisation

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MPs have asked the gender, labour and social development minister to fast-track the operationalisation of the Occupational Safety and Health Board.

The call came on February 12, 2025, after Parliament's gender committee informed the House chaired by Anita Among that although section 10 of the Act establishes the Occupational Safety and Health Board, 18 years later, the board has never been operationalised resulting in difficulties in executing key policy formulation.

The main purpose of the board is to give expert advice to the minister on matters concerning occupational safety and health, welfare and the working environment.

Presenting a report on the Occupational Safety and Health Bill, committee chairperson Agness Kunihira said the board was important and needed to be put in place as soon as possible.

The objective of the Bill is to expand the scope of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 20O6, to cater for the health and safety of workers in all workplaces; to remove the inconsistencies in the Act, and to streamline the powers of the minister to make regulations.

“We visited Kenya and observed that the Ministry of Labour has a fully-fledged training institution on Occupational Safety and Health. It also has a Council which advises cabinet on matters of occupational policy matters, best practices and other matters. We should also have the board,” she said.

According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) occupational health is defined as the promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental and social well-being of workers in all occupations.

Gender state minister Esther Anyakun however informed the House that the Ministry has delayed to operationalize the board due to lack of funds.

During the discussion, MPs expressed concern that 10 years down the road, the ministry has not tabled the regulations to operationalise the Act.

Leader of Opposition in Parliament Joel Ssenyonyi (Nakawa West) said for over 10 years, there have been no regulations: “We think this is a good law. Can we get a commitment from the minister that the regulations will come as soon as possible?”

The law said the regulations will be in place within one year. However, Speaker Anitah Among disagreed, saying one year is a time too long and directed her to bring the regulations in three months.

She also said a team of members will be named to ensure that the regulations are tabled.

MSilas Aogon (Kumi Municipality) said the Bill should ensure that entities provide budgets for health and occupational safety.

Aisha Kabanda (Butambala District) sought to understand if the Occupational Safety and Health Bill considers people working from home. 

“Does it also take care of people who get occupational hazards while working from home?” she asked.