Health Impact of Occupational Risks in the Informal Sector in Zimbabwe Chapter 4 Issues and conclusions arising from the survey 4.1 Levels of injury, illness and mortality The rates of injury, illness and mortality reported in this survey signify the presence of occupational risks and a negative health burden that is not factored into national assessments of and programmes in occupational health and safety. As one entry point into the informal sector there is a strong case for making ALL work related fatalities reportable within 24 hours to NSSA, including those in the informal sector, and for an inquiry into every fatality. This would also serve to raise the profile of occupational health in the sector. The distribution of injury between sectors correlates significantly with formal sector rates, with an excess in manufacturing.
Illness rates are higher in the agricultural and service sectors.
In particular, the survey found high levels of musculoskeletal and respiratory illness which are already thought to be significantly under-detected in formal systems. The data strongly indicates a need for a surveyed assessment of occupational injury and illness in ALL sectors of employment, to obtain a more accurate assessment of the health burden of occupational risks. As has been done in other countries, a specific module on this can be developed for the integrated household survey. In fact while the disability led to job transfer in about one fifth of cases, it did not lead to job loss, indicating that while functional impairment was present it was not high. To qualify for government and other credit schemes for example, proof of subscription to WCIF should be shown, and assistance be given in ensuring such coverage.