THE Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Welfare and Community Development has praised Elsewedy Electric’s electrical cable and transformer manufacturing plant in Kigamboni District and Knauf’s gypsum plant in Mkuranga, Coast Region, for their exemplary adherence to workplace health and safety regulations.

This came after the committee visited both factories and Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA) offices early this week.

The Minister of State led the visit in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Youth, Employment and People with Disabilities) Ridhiwani Kikwete, and was accompanied by OSHA’s chief executive officer, Khadija Mwenda.

The committee members toured the factories to assess the implementation of workplace safety and health laws.

Speaking, Committee chairperson, Fatma Toufiq expressed satisfaction with the factories, highlighting them as role models for following safety and health regulations in the workplace.

She emphasized that the committee would continue to advise the government on the importance of safeguarding the health and well-being of the workforce.

“We are here with our colleagues from OSHA, one of the institutions under our committee, to observe how the workplace safety and health laws are being implemented. Based on the information we’ve received, Knauf is one of the companies that strictly follow safety regulations. We’ve come to see it firsthand. As a committee, we will continue to advise the government on the importance of ensuring workers’ safety and health at work,” Toufiq said.

In his remarks, Kikwete affirmed that the government will continue to support these investors, who not only manufacture goods but also contribute to the country’s economic growth through exports and job creation for young people.

He also commended OSHA for conducting regular inspections that have resulted in improved workplace safety practices.

“In every factory we visited, before starting the tour, we underwent a mandatory safety briefing, where we were given instructions on how to stay safe and what risks to be aware of. I am particularly impressed with how the safety systems work—when you approach or touch a machine’s protective barrier, the system automatically shuts down the machinery,” he noted.

He said: “This is a significant step in ensuring the safety of workers. All of this is a direct result of the regular inspections conducted by OSHA, which have led to substantial improvements in safety standards. This is a clear indication of the excellent work being done by OSHA and a testament to the CEO’s efforts in ensuring the President’s directives are followed.”

OSHA’s CEO urged employers across the country to prioritise compliance with workplace safety and health laws, stressing that a focus on safety leads to increased productivity by reducing workplace risks.

“The Parliamentary Committee has seen itself the positive outcomes of our work. At Knauf, for example, investments have increased significantly due to the good working conditions and robust safety systems in place. I encourage all investors and businesses to invest in workplace safety and health systems to protect workers,” Mwenda said.

Flora Erasto, Knauf Industries legal officer said the company has always adhered to OSHA’s guidelines since its establishment, which has been a key factor in its success.

“Since the beginning of our operations, we have worked closely with OSHA, receiving valuable guidance on workplace safety and health. We also appreciate the government for providing clear guidelines and a supportive environment that has helped us as investors,” she said.