Background and justification

The long-term Programme objectives are increased awareness in SADC countries of the essential role of healthy work, and improved knowledge of health promotion and the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases. This project will run during all 12 years of the Programme. Below are the details related to the part of the project belonging to Phase I. Some of the activities are necessary as a basis for further actions during the coming years. Major stakeholders must be informed about the needs, and then act accordingly. From other countries and regions it has often been proved that good practice is a useful tool. Successful interventions in occupational health need to be published to promote a positive environment and influence policy makers.

Objectives

• The present attitudes to and knowledge of OSH among the key stakeholders in the SADC region will be known
• Methods to promote OSH in the key organistions in the SADC region will be developed

Indicators for the project objectives? attainment

• A sample of the staff of SADC region key stakeholders has responded to a baseline questionnaire
• Systems to communicate Programme and SADC activities, findings and recommendations to SADC structures and member countries are established from the end of the first year : website, newsletter and linkages with SADC information systems
• Successful interventions in developing countries, particularly in the SADC region, are documented
• A tri-partite conference, with participation by SADC ministers, employee and employer organisations, held by mid fourth year
• At least one article published in at least one major newspaper in each country

Activities

Activities to be undertaken by Programme director and staff and SADC Directorate SHDSP

• Development and dissemination of a questionnaire to a sample of key persons in SADC organisations by year one; evaluation of the answers by year two
• Communication between the Programme, SADC structures and member country occupational safety and health agencies (website, newsletter and meetings)
• Identify and document case studies of successful interventions from published literature and from experiences of practitioners
• Hold a tri-partite conference, including SADC ministers and MPs, employee and employer organisations, to discuss the healthy work and economic development and to present case studies of successful interventions
• Mass media informed by submission of articles and press-releases etc

Target group

SADC structures, governments, MPs and employer and employee organisations in the region.