Dar quarry traders receive safety gear, training

DAR ES SALAAM: OVER 500 small-scale entrepreneurs in Dar es Salaam engaged in stone quarrying and crushing have been provided with protective gear.

They have also received training in safety and health practices to reduce the risks of accidents, illnesses and fatalities associated with hazardous working conditions.

The initiative was conducted by the Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA) as part of its core mandate to raise awareness about safety and health issues among employers, employees and the public.

Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Youth, Employment and People with Disabilities), Mr Ridhiwani Kikwete, acknowledged the challenges faced by small-scale quarry traders and workers, including outdated technology and a lack of capital.

“Let’s work together to bring about positive changes in this industry, ensuring that all activities are conducted in safe conditions and that productivity increases through the use of modern technology,” Mr Kikwete said at the launch of the programme over the weekend.

The initial beneficiaries of this initiative operate in Boko Magereza in Bunju Ward, Kinondoni District and Mjimwema in Kigamboni District.

“We will continue with other measures, including creating an enabling environment that will increase productivity.

This will include ensuring access to capital to purchase modern equipment and initiating alternative activities,” the Minister said.

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Permanent Secretary of the Ministry responsible for Labour, Mary Maganga, who attended some of the training sessions, highlighted the importance of supporting smallscale entrepreneurs for the country’s development.

She noted that OSHA’s initiative to provide safety and health education for quarry workers is essential in helping them safeguard against work-related accidents and illnesses.

OSHA’s Chief Executive, Khadija Mwenda, said that the training offered focuses on enabling the workers to identify hazards associated with their activities, such as dust, extreme heat and unsafe work practices that do not follow ergonomic principles.

The training is accompanied by the provision of essential protective gear, funded by the government, to encourage the workers to adopt proper safety measures in their daily operations.

One of the beneficiaries, Berena Bilal, expressed her gratitude to the government, through OSHA, for the support they received.