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Published on: October 3, 2016
Work-related injuries and illnesses in Botswana
1Tirelo ya Batho (Pty) Ltd, Botswana. tireloyb@bigfoot.com
Summary
Botswana faces over 1,000 annual work accidents and 60 fatalities, primarily from road traffic incidents. Most workplace accidents occur in unregulated environments, highlighting a need for improved occupational safety and health legislation.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Public Health
- Workplace Safety
Background:
- Botswana reports over 1,000 work-related accidents annually, with approximately 60 fatalities.
- Despite suspected prevalence, work-related diseases are rarely reported.
- A significant gap exists in occupational safety and health (OSH) legislation enforcement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the nature and causes of work-related accidents in Botswana.
- To identify high-risk sectors and demographics for workplace fatalities.
- To provide recommendations for improving occupational safety and health management.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 498 work-related accident cases in Gaborone district for the year 2000.
- Examination of accident circumstances, including location and cause.
- Review of regulatory coverage for accident-prone workplaces.
Main Results:
- Road traffic accidents constituted approximately 80% of all work-related fatalities.
- Government employees were the majority demographic among fatal accident victims.
- Most accidents occurred in workplaces lacking OSH regulatory oversight.
Conclusions:
- Botswana requires performance-based legislation mandating hazard identification and control by employers.
- Implementation of OSH management systems is crucial for enhancing workplace safety and productivity.
- Addressing road safety within employment contexts is vital for reducing fatalities.
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