It’s Time to Modernise Namibia’s Occupational Health and Safety Laws

There is an urgent need to modernise Namibia’s occupational health, safety, and environmental (OHSE) legal framework.

With emerging sectors such as oil and gas exploration, underground mining, and the broader integration of advanced technology, Namibia’s regulatory approach must be adapted to foster a safer, more investor-friendly environment.

By aligning OHSE laws with commercial regulations, prioritising workers’ safety, embracing new technologies, and addressing the unique needs of new industries, Namibia can create a forward-looking framework that supports both economic growth and people.

An Investor-Friendly Environment
Creating a more cohesive and investor-friendly regulatory environment will not only enhance workplace safety, but boost Namibia’s attractiveness as a destination for foreign and local investments.

Inconsistent or unclear regulations can deter potential investors.

By harmonising OHSE and commercial laws, we can create a transparent, streamlined system that prioritises both workers’ safety and business growth.

This could involve simplifying compliance processes, eliminating outdated legal provisions and establishing a coherent regulatory structure that reduces administrative burdens.

This would ensure that businesses and investors have a clear understanding of their OHSE obligations, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship between commerce and safety.

People-Centred Laws
Occupational health and safety regulations must ultimately be people-centred, as protecting workers’ lives and well-being is central to any effective OHSE framework.

For too long, health and safety have been viewed as technical or secondary concerns rather than fundamental human rights.

A modernised legal regime should put workers’ health and safety at the forefront, integrating policies that address physical, mental, and environmental workplace risks.

People-centred laws would involve consulting with workers, unions, and community stakeholders to ensure that regulations reflect the realities of various industries and their specific challenges.

For example, clear guidelines on managing high-risk tasks, ensuring proper training, and protecting vulnerable workers can make a meaningful difference in reducing workplace accidents and fatalities.

Advanced Technologies
Modern OHSE practices increasingly rely on cutting-edge technologies like drones, real-time monitors, critical risk management tools, and GPS-based proximity detection systems.

By integrating these technologies into Namibia’s legal framework, OHSE regulations can become more effective, proactive, and capable of managing complex hazards in real time.

For instance, real-time monitors can provide instant updates on air quality, machinery performance and worker locations, allowing for immediate intervention in hazardous situations. Similarly, drones can inspect remote or dangerous areas without exposing workers to risk.

However, adopting these new technologies requires the legal system to address data privacy, technological competence and implementation costs.

The government should support or subsidise companies in adopting these tools effectively and responsibly, ensuring technology enhances workplace safety without compromising workers’ rights or placing excessive financial burdens on employers.

Emerging Industries
Oil and gas exploration and underground mining present unique challenges.

These sectors are not only high-risk but often require specialised safety protocols that differ from traditional industries.

For example, underground mining involves complex risks related to ventilation, structural stability and exposure to toxic substances,.

The oil and gas industry demands stringent measures for managing explosive materials and preventing environmental contamination.

To accommodate these new industries, our regulations should be industry-specific and flexible, allowing for sector-based safety standards.

Developing industry-specific safety guidelines specific will not only protect workers, but make Namibia a more attractive destination for companies in these high-stake sectors.

LET’S DO IT!

Modernising Namibia’s OHSE laws is more than an administrative task, it is critical in fostering a safer, more vibrant and investor-friendly industrial landscape.

It also allows Namibia to position itself as a leader in workplace safety and sustainable industrial growth.

A modern OHSE framework will ensure that as Namibia’s economy grows, it protects both its workers and its natural environment.

Updating and aligning it with international standards will also open the door to a more efficient and attractive industrial landscape for both local and foreign investors.

• *George ‘Rinoumba’ Ndjitaviua is a seasoned health, safety and environment professional, with a background in HSE spanning more than 12 years. The views expressed here are solely his own.

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