The ministry of Labour has vowed to heighten its routine inspections in public and private work institutions to ensure full adherence to safety and health of workers at their work place.

According to Ministry of Labour directorate occupational safety and health secretary Dr Musa Nyandusi, many employers in Kenya have continued to operate with total disregard of the set safety policies.

Speaking in Mombasa on Wednesday, Nyandusi also challenged Kenyans to familiarize themselves with safety and health policies, so that they don’t suffer in silence in the hands of some rogue employers.

“Workers who get injured and are not compensated is a big issue for us. It’s a big issue for us because for us and that’s why our institution exists to protect our workers against disease and injuries, “he added.

He said the government has ensured proper laws that govern occupational health and safety and therefore the laws ought to be fully adhered to by all players.

This happens as many Kenyans continue to suffer in the hands of their employees with very poor working conditions with their security and health compromised in the line of their duty.

 “The occupational safety and health act, is an act of parliament ensures workers are protected and they don’t suffer injuries, occupational diseases and death,” he added, saying that institutions ought to adhere to the set policies so that employees get their rights.

Nyandusi said the directorate recognizes enterprises and institutions that put into consideration safety and health of their workers in their establishments.

In Kenya for example, he said private employers are notorious when it comes to full adherence to safety and measures of employees.

“The other policy that is Work injury benefits act is responsible in an event the worker gets injured then or gets a disease, then is treated and in an event if he dies is compensated or his kin’s get compensated,” he added.

Speaking after closing the fifth national occupation safety conference in Mombasa he said the directorate also trains institutions that conduct occupational safety and health first aid administration training countrywide to ensure safety and health of workers is paramount.

“As we take time to reflect on the safety and health week which is celebrated worldwide, we spend time reflecting on workers who lost their lives, who have gotten injured or gotten occupational diseases in line of their work, “said Nyandusi.

Nyandusi confirmed that the directorate will hold a band match procession on Thursday from different institutions from NSSF building, through Nkrumah road ,Moi Avenue towards Mbaraki sports grounds where they will hold a meeting to award enterprises who have shown excellence in safety and health of their workers in their enterprises.

“We are going to be graced by our labour minister and principal secretary and we shall celebrate enterprises that have shown excellence in safety and health. We hope events like this will go a long way in ensuring safety awareness of workers in their place of work,” said Nyandusi.