President Hichilema Assents to New Law to Strengthen Workplace Safety
President Hakainde Hichilema has assented to the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act No. 16 of 2025, marking a major step towards improving workplace safety and preventing occupational diseases across all sectors of the economy.
The Ministry of Labour and Social Security confirmed that the legislation, formerly known as the Occupational Health and Safety Bill No. 17 of 2025, was signed into law on 23 December 2025.
The new Act significantly expands the scope of occupational health services in Zambia, enabling the Occupational Health and Safety Institute to extend its mandate beyond the mining sector to cover all industries.
Since 1945, occupational health services in the country have largely focused on mining, leaving workers in other sectors without adequate protection from work-related illnesses.
Under the new law, workplaces are now required to establish health and safety committees with equal representation from employers and employees. The Act also strengthens enforcement mechanisms by granting enhanced powers to authorised officers, aimed at improving compliance and accountability.
The Ministry said these measures are intended to promote shared responsibility between employers and workers while enhancing safety standards nationwide.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Labour and Social Security Permanent Secretary Zechariah Luhanga has urged the Occupational Health and Safety Institute to ensure effective implementation of the Act in line with national development priorities and internationally recognised occupational safety and health standards.
The Ministry of Labour and Social Security said the new legislation represents a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to improve worker welfare and eliminate occupational diseases.
