Workers Have A Right To Say No Without Being Fired: Proposed New Law

Workers Have A Right To Say No Under New Zimbabwe Law

Workers in Zimbabwe will soon have the right to say no to dangerous tasks without the risk of losing their jobs. This is according to the Occupational Safety and Health Bill, gazetted last week, which proposes stronger protections for employees facing unsafe working conditions.

A New Law On Worker Safety

The Bill aims to reduce accidents and fatalities by giving workers the legal power to refuse tasks that pose imminent danger. It ensures that employees cannot be dismissed or punished for putting their safety first.

Quoting from the legislation, The Herald reported:

“Every worker shall have the right to refuse to do work which is likely to cause imminent danger to his or her safety or health, which has not been rendered safe.”

The new law also gives workers the right to information on workplace safety, consultation with employers, and training during working hours. It further proposes the creation of the Zimbabwe Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Council and a Department of Occupational Safety and Health under the National Social Security Authority (NSSA).

Rising Workplace Accidents

Official statistics highlight the urgency of the Bill.

In 2022, Zimbabwe recorded 4 912 serious accidents and 76 fatalities.
In 2023, the number dropped slightly to 4 334 accidents and 60 deaths.
In 2024, there were 4 242 accidents and 70 fatalities.
In the first two months of 2025, 720 workplace injuries and 12 deaths have already been recorded.

Most cases occurred in high-risk industries such as mining, construction, agriculture and manufacturing. NSSA data links many incidents to poor safety standards, outdated equipment, lack of training, and inadequate protective clothing.

Expert Reactions To The Bill

Labour lawyer Dr Rodgers Matsikidze said the new law is consistent with global labour conventions.

In comments carried by The Herald, he explained:

“Sections 13 and 14 are in line with various ILO (International Labour Organisation) Conventions on Occupational Health and Safety. Clearly they place an onus on the employer to ensure there is a safe working environment.”

He continued:

“The whole idea is to safeguard employees from preventable deaths, injuries and sickness. This balances the need for the well-being of employees and also the employer to ensure a safe working environment. So it will be a key legislation especially in mining, engineering and water, sewer industries.”

The Bill will also establish the Medical Bureau of Occupational Diseases under NSSA. The bureau will conduct examinations and certify occupational illnesses, while employers will be obliged to run occupational health programmes, carry out risk assessments, and monitor exposure to hazardous materials.

Public hearings will be held before the Bill is debated in Parliament.