Safe Workplaces, Healthy Workers
Every worker deserves a safe and healthy workplace. ZIBAWU advocates for comprehensive health and safety standards, ensures employers comply with regulations, and empowers members to speak up about unsafe conditions.
ZIBAWU's Role in Workplace Safety
ZIBAWU actively promotes workplace health and safety by:
- Advocating for Safety Standards: Pushing for strong policies and enforcement
- Training Members: Educating workers on their safety rights
- Monitoring Compliance: Ensuring employers follow health and safety regulations
- Representing Workers: Supporting members who face safety concerns
- Participating in Safety Committees: Active representation on workplace safety bodies
- Investigating Incidents: Reviewing workplace accidents and near-misses
- Negotiating Improvements: Bargaining for better safety equipment and procedures
Health and Safety Policy Priorities
ZIBAWU campaigns for:
Physical Workplace Safety
- Ergonomic workstations to prevent injuries
- Proper lighting and ventilation
- Safe building infrastructure (fire exits, alarms, etc.)
- Regular safety inspections and maintenance
Mental Health & Wellbeing
- Stress management programs
- Protection from workplace harassment and bullying
- Reasonable workloads and working hours
- Employee assistance programs
Health Protection
- Clean and hygienic work environments
- Access to first aid facilities
- Health screening and preventive care
- Protection from occupational diseases
How to Report Unsafe Conditions
If you identify a health or safety hazard:
Step 1:
Document the Hazard
Take photos, notes, or videos of the unsafe condition if possible.
Step 2:
Report to Supervisor
Notify your immediate supervisor or manager about the issue.
Step 3:
Notify Your Shop Steward
Inform your ZIBAWU shop steward so the union is aware.
Step 4:
Escalate if Necessary
If the issue is not addressed, escalate to the safety committee or ZIBAWU office.
Step 5:
External Reporting
ZIBAWU can report serious violations to NSSA or labour inspectors on your behalf
Member Rights Regarding Workplace Safety
As a worker, you have the right to:
A Safe Workplace:
Employers must provide a hazard-free environment
Safety Information:
Access to safety policies and hazard information
Safety Training:
Proper training on equipment and procedures
Protective Equipment:
Provision of necessary safety gear at no cost
Refuse Unsafe Work:
The right to refuse work that poses immediate danger
Report Without Retaliation:
Protection from victimization for raising safety concerns
Participate in Safety Committees:
Representation on workplace safety bodies
Compensation for Injuries:
Access to NSSA benefits for workplace injuries
Safety Committees
ZIBAWU participates in workplace safety committees to:
- Represent worker interests in safety decisions
- Review safety policies and procedures
- Investigate accidents and near-miss incidents
- Conduct workplace safety inspections
- Recommend safety improvements to management
- Monitor implementation of safety measures
If your workplace doesn’t have a safety committee, ZIBAWU can help establish one.
Common Workplace Hazards in Banking
Banking sector workers often face:
- Ergonomic Hazards: Repetitive strain injuries from computer work
- Stress-Related Issues: High-pressure targets and customer demands
- Security Risks: Potential for robberies and violent incidents
- Indoor Air Quality: Poor ventilation and air conditioning issues
- Fire Risks: Electrical equipment and inadequate fire safety measures
- Trip Hazards: Cluttered workspaces and poor housekeeping
- Mental Health: Burnout, anxiety, and depression from work pressures
How ZIBAWU Supports Safer Workplaces
We actively work to improve conditions through:
- Collective Bargaining: Negotiating safety provisions in employment agreements
- Legal Action: Supporting members injured due to employer negligence
- Advocacy Campaigns: Pushing for industry-wide safety standards
- Partnerships: Collaborating with NSSA and safety organizations
- Member Education: Training on hazard recognition and prevention
- Policy Development: Contributing to national occupational safety legislation
Is your workplace safe? If you have safety concerns, we want to hear from you.
Contact ZIBAWU to report hazards or learn more about workplace safety.