Ouagadougou Marks Dual Commemoration for Work Safety Day and African Day for Occupational Risk Prevention

Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso – Burkina Faso observed the 22nd World Day for Safety and Health at Work and the 28th African Day for the Prevention of Occupational Risks on Tuesday in Ouagadougou. The event was chaired by Hamidou Sawadogo, Secretary General of the Ministry in charge of Social Protection. The dual commemoration focused on the impacts of climate change on workplace safety and health, as well as the challenges and intervention strategies in high-risk sectors.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Director General of Social Protection, the themes are critical as they call for the redefinition of strategies to improve workplace safety across all sectors, particularly in the informal economy and among self-employed workers. The day also served as a reminder of recent workplace disasters in Burkina Faso, including incidents at the Perkoa mine, Donsin airport, Norbert Zongo University in Koudougou, and in Ouagadougou itself, emphasizing the urgency of addressing occupational risks.

During the ceremony, Sawadogo, delivering a speech on behalf of Minister of State Bassolma Bazié, highlighted the significant impact of changing weather conditions on the labor sector. He expressed hopes for a quick recovery for victims of workplace accidents and illnesses and led a minute of silence in memory of those who have died on national development projects and as victims of ongoing terrorist attacks.

The commemoration will feature multiple activities aimed at enhancing awareness and prevention of occupational risks. These include training sessions, workplace visits, radio broadcasts, film screenings, and stakeholder consultation meetings, along with a cross-country public event.