Workplace accidents have caused 88 deaths in Mozambique over the past five years, with the highest incidence in the construction and mining sectors, considered the most critical in terms of workplace safety, the Mozambique News Agency reported on Tuesday, April 28.
The information was presented by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Labor, Gender, and Social Action, Ariel Comé, during a seminar on occupational health and safety, in which he highlighted the need to strengthen preventive measures.
According to Comé, 16 workplace accidents were recorded in 2025 alone—a figure that, while relatively low, raises concerns about underreporting and the actual conditions in workplaces.
“The involvement of society and the media is essential for reporting risky situations and helping to reduce accidents,” he stated, acknowledging that not all cases come to the attention of the authorities.
Prevention and enforcement in the spotlight
Authorities emphasize that the country has reporting mechanisms and inspection teams in place to respond to risky situations, but they advocate for increased oversight and awareness-raising, particularly in the most vulnerable sectors.
The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Paulo Beirão, reiterated that promoting safe work environments must be viewed as a strategic priority.
“Protecting the physical and mental well-being of workers is fundamental to sustainable development,” he stated, highlighting prevention as the central pillar of public policy.
Unions Demand Accountability
On the union side, the Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Mozambique advocates for greater accountability from employers regarding the risks faced by workers. “No economic gain justifies the loss of a single human life in the workplace,” stated the organization’s secretary-general, Jeremias Timana.
He also warned of growing exposure to physical and psychosocial risks, noting that many workers face conditions that directly affect their health and productivity.
The seminar brought together representatives from the government, unions, employers, and social partners, with the aim of strengthening dialogue and consolidating a culture of prevention in the workplace in Mozambique.
