Occupational health and safety compliance in Cameroon instructs employers whose activities are of a nature to affect the safety and health of employees to insure their workers. This obligation is done in strict adherence to workplace compliance, the health and safety for industries legislation in Cameroon. The Cameroon safety services must be properly understood by investors.
Health and safety compliance and health and safety for industries in Cameroon is regulated by ministerial decrees and orders which form the scope of health and safety legislation for companies and industries. Order No. 039/MTPS/IMT of 26th November 1984 is the main legislation fixing the general rules of hygiene and safety at the workplace.
Health and safety compliance in Cameroon for companies and industries, and the Cameroon safety services regulation has imposed the registration of employees at the National Social Insurance Fund.
WORKPLACE COMPLIANCE FOR INDUSTRIES IN CAMEROON
The Cameroon safety services legislation has emphasized on workers to be provided with appropriate work tools. He must also ensure the proper upkeep of the workplace, such that the worker is adequately protected against any accidents and health hazards in Cameroon.
The health and safety compliance in Cameroon legislation has imposed on employers to provide individual and collective protective material to workers. According to the nature of work, appropriate working tools shall include the following;
- Respiratory mask, where the industry disposes impurities such as vapour, dust and gases.
- Googles against solid, liquid or gaseous projectiles that can wound the workers etc.
During recruitment or in the case of innovation of method of work, the employer must inform the workers on the risks of the various jobs as well as the instructions needed to avoid these risks including the use of the protection system.
CATEGORIZATION OF RISK INDUSTRIES IN CAMEROON
The legislation in force has grouped companies and industries according to three categories;
- A Category: Low-risk category,
- B Category: Average risk category, and
- C Category: High-risk category.
Added to the risk group formula as regards occupational health and safety compliance with health and safety laws for companies and industries in Cameroon is the number of workers being employed by a company or industry.
For establishments employing at least 50 workers, the occupational health and safety act requires that they respect all the procedures to establish a hygiene and safety committee so far as their activities are classified under any of the three risk groups aforementioned.
CAMEROON SAFETY SERVICES LEGISLATION
Health and safety legislation governs workplace safety compliance for companies and industries. It consists of a plethora of Decrees, Orders and Acts. The principal laws include Order No. 039/MTPS/IMT of 26th November 1984 fixing the general rules of hygiene and safety at the place of work. Decree No. 84/909 of 26th July 1984 reorganizing the ministry of labor and social insurance. Decree No. 75/740 of 29th November 1975 regulates conditions for the organization and functioning of Industrial hygiene and safety commission etc.
Each Act, Order or Law has its scope of operation and must be strictly respected by employers. Failure to respect these laws will attract heavy sanctions against the company or industry for non-compliance with the health and safety legislation.
Article by Barr. Agbor Kima Divine Ngema
Kima & Partners Firm