By Arnold Tutu
President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA has signed into law the Occupational Health and Safety –OHS- Act No. 16 of 2025, a move intended to improve workplace safety and tackle occupational diseases across all sectors of the Zambian economy.
The legislation, formerly known as the Occupational Health and Safety Bill No. 17 of 2025, received presidential assent on December 23, 2025.
The development has been confirmed in a statement issued by Ministry of Labour and Social Security Principal Public Relations Officer MWAKA NDAWA.
Ms. NDAWA said the enactment of the OHS Act signals a shift in the country’s approach to occupational health services, which have traditionally focused on the mining sector.
She said the new law empowers the Occupational Health and Safety Institute –OHSI- to extend its services to workers in all industries, providing protection to employees who previously operated without adequate safeguards against work-related illnesses such as pneumoconiosis and injuries.
Pneumoconiosis is a group of lung diseases caused by the long-term inhalation of dust particles, usually in the workplace. The dust builds up in the lungs, leading to inflammation, scarring and reduced lung function.
Ms. NDAWA said the Act also provides for the establishment of mandatory workplace health and safety committees, with equal representation from employers and employees.
She said the committees are expected to promote shared responsibility for safety standards while improving compliance at organisational level.
Ms. NDAWA added that the legislation strengthens enforcement powers for authorised officers, a move aimed at improving adherence to occupational safety and health regulations nationwide.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Labour and Social Security Permanent Secretary ZECHARIAH LUHANGA has called on OHSI to ensure the effective implementation of the Act in line with national development priorities and internationally recognised occupational safety and health standards.
Mr. LUHANGA said the new law marks an important step in protecting workers’ welfare and promoting safer working environments across Zambia.
