Share WORLD Open University Malawi

FACULTY OF Health Sciences

Department of Public Health

PROGRAMME: BSc Public Health

YEAR: 4

COURSE NAME: OCCUPATION HEALTH AND SAFETY

COURSE CODE:             PUH 411

TO: MR FLERA CHIMANGO KULEMERO

FROM: Bertha Zambasa

STUDENT NO: 24bsc03/2304ph

ASSIGNMENT NO: 1

DUE DATE: 06/04/2025

DATE SUBMITTED: 22 /03/2025

Statement on Plagiarism, Collusion & Academic Incompetence

The University unequivocally condemns plagiarism, which it considers to be comparable to falsifying data and cheating in an examination, and warns students that the Academic Board looks gravely upon incidents of plagiarism. Such incidents are classed as Academic Misconduct which results into a student getting a zero grade.

I,BERTHA ZAMBASA, DECLARE that this work is FREE of plagiarism otherwise I will face consequences thereof if discovered that this work is not supported by proper Harvard referencing and merely a ‘cut & paste’.

Signed…B.Zambasa………………………………………. Date: 22/03/2025

For Lecturer’s use only – Marking Guide

Descriptor	% Mark Range	Student Mark
Work of excellent quality	90-100 % A+
Work of very good quality	75-89   % A
Work of good quality	65-74   % B
Work of fair but below average quality	50-64   % C
Work of marginal quality	40-49   % D
Unsatisfactory, failing work	0-39     % E
Unjustified absence or failure to hand in assigned work in time	0             R

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A labour union is an organized association of workers formed to protect and promote their collective interests, particularly in wages, benefits, and working conditions. According to Freeman and Medoff (1984), labour unions serve as "voice mechanisms" that empower workers to negotiate better employment terms. Similarly, Webb and Webb (1897) define unions as associations created to improve laborers' economic and social conditions. Dunlop (1958) emphasizes that unions play a key role in industrial relations by balancing power between employers and employees. Labour unions in Malawi play a significant role in promoting occupational health and safety (OHS) in the workplace. The Malawi Congress of Trade Unions (MCTU) is the leading trade union body, representing over 45,000 members across various sectors.

Advocacy for Stronger Safety Regulations

Labor unions in Malawi collaborate with the government and international organizations, including the International Labour Organization (ILO), to advocate for stronger workplace safety regulations. While the country has an Occupational Safety, Health, and Welfare Act in place, enforcement remains inadequate due to resource constraints. Unions have played a key role in urging authorities to enhance workplace inspections and impose stricter penalties for unsafe conditions (ILO, 2025)

Training and Awareness Programs

Monitoring Workplace Conditions

Pushing for Workers' Compensation and Legal Reforms

Success Stories in Malawi

A notable example of union involvement in workplace safety is the agricultural sector, where unions have helped secure better conditions for tobacco and tea plantation workers. These efforts have led to improvements in protective gear distribution and reduced exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Labour unions advocate for workers rights enforce ohs regulation and collaborate with employers to improve workplace safety.

Labor unions play a critical role in advocating for workers' rights, enforcing occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations, and collaborating with employers to improve workplace safety. Their functions in this regard include the following:

Advocating for Workers' Rights

Labor unions advocate for improved working conditions through collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), which often include provisions for workplace safety, fair wages, and protection from unjust termination. By representing workers in negotiations, unions help secure essential rights and benefits, such as access to protective equipment and comprehensive safety training, ensuring a safer and more equitable work environment (Vittana, 2023).

Enforcing OHS Regulations

Unions actively oversee workplace safety standards and ensure employers adhere to both national and international occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations. In the U.S., for instance, unions leverage guidelines set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to advocate for safer working conditions. They play a crucial role in ensuring that employers identify, report, and mitigate workplace hazards while also providing essential health protections, such as safe equipment, adequate ventilation, and personal protective gear (OSHA, 2023).

Collaborating with Employers

Rather than working against employers, labor unions often collaborate with management to create safety committees and training programs that educate employees on workplace risks and emergency responses. Unions also facilitate communication between workers and employers, helping to resolve disputes and implement safety improvements proactively. This cooperation benefits both parties by reducing workplace accidents and enhancing productivity (USA.gov, 2023)​

Whistleblowing and Legal Support

Unions offer legal support to workers who report safety violations or face retaliation for doing so. They assist employees in filing complaints with regulatory agencies and advocate for their protection against wrongful termination or workplace discrimination when raising safety concerns. By ensuring workers' rights are upheld, unions help create a safer and more accountable work environment (USA.gov, 2023)

THE SPECIFIC STRATEGIES OF SUCCESSFUL UNION-LED OHS INITIATIVES

Union-led Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) initiatives have been instrumental in improving workplace safety and health standards globally. These initiatives are successful because unions leverage collective bargaining power, worker solidarity, and advocacy to push for systemic changes.

Worker Education and Training

Unions offer education and training programs to workers on workplace hazards, safety procedures, and their legal rights. Well-informed workers are better equipped to recognize risks, advocate for improved conditions, and adhere to safety protocols. Training also empowers employees to take an active role in occupational health and safety (OHS). For example, the United Auto Workers (UAW) in the U.S. has implemented comprehensive safety training initiatives for automotive workers, leading to a significant reduction in workplace injuries (UAW, 2020).

Joint Health and Safety Committees (JHSCs)

Unions advocate for the creation of Joint Health and Safety Committees (JHSCs), which bring together worker and employer representatives to collaboratively address occupational health and safety (OHS) concerns. These committees serve as a platform for employees to raise safety issues and actively participate in decision-making, ensuring that protective measures are both practical and effective. For instance, in Canada, JHSCs are legally required in many provinces, and unions like the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) have successfully leveraged them to mitigate workplace hazards and improve safety standards (CUPE, 2019)

Collective Bargaining for OHS Provisions

Unions incorporate occupational health and safety (OHS) provisions into collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), ensuring that workplace safety standards are legally binding and enforceable. These agreements establish a formal framework for holding employers accountable for maintaining safe working environments. For example, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters has successfully negotiated CBAs that mandate regular safety inspections, provision of protective equipment, and hazard pay for workers in high-risk conditions (Teamsters, 2021).

Advocacy for Stronger Legislation

Unions lobby governments to enact or strengthen OHS laws and regulations. It Works in Stronger legislation ensures that all employers, not just those with unionized workforces, adhere to high safety standards. For Example, The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) played a key role in advocating for the Model Work Health and Safety Act, which harmonized OHS laws across Australian states (ACTU, 2012).

Workplace Inspections and Audits

Unions conduct regular workplace inspections and audits to identify hazards and ensure compliance with safety standards. It Works, Proactive identification of risks prevents accidents and ensures that employers address safety issues promptly. For Example, The United Steelworkers (USW) in the U.S. and Canada have implemented worker-led inspection programs in industries like mining and manufacturing, leading to significant reductions in workplace injuries (USW, 2018).

Campaigns to Reduce Stigma Around Mental Health

Unions run campaigns to raise awareness about mental health issues and advocate for psychological safety in the workplace. It Works, Reducing stigma encourages workers to seek help, and advocacy ensures that mental health is included in OHS policies. For Example, The UK’s Trade Union Congress (TUC) has launched campaigns like Workplace Wellbeing to address mental health issues and push for better workplace support systems (TUC, 2020).

Use of Technology and Data

Unions use technology to collect data on workplace injuries and illnesses, which is then used to advocate for better safety measures. It Works in Data-driven advocacy provides evidence to support demands for improved OHS standards. For Example, The European Trade Union Institute (ETUI) has developed tools to track workplace accidents and illnesses across Europe, helping unions push for stronger regulations (ETUI, 2021).

International Collaboration

Unions collaborate across borders to share best practices and advocate for global OHS standards. It Works in International collaboration ensures that multinational companies adhere to high safety standards in all countries where they operate. For Example, The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) has worked with unions worldwide to promote the ratification and implementation of International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions on OHS (ITUC, 2020).

CHALLENGES UNIONS FACE AND STRATEGIES TO STRENGTHEN THEIR ROLE IN HIGH-RISK AND INFORMAL SECTORS

Challenges Facing Unions

High Levels of Informality

The rise of gig work and short-term contracts presents significant challenges for unions aiming to organize workers, as these workers often face unstable and non-traditional employment arrangements. Gig workers, such as those in the ride-sharing, delivery, or freelance sectors, frequently move between jobs, making it difficult for unions to establish a sense of permanence and unity among workers. Moreover, many gig workers operate under informal or contractual conditions that lack the legal recognition and protections necessary for unionization. The flexibility of gig work, while appealing to some, also means that workers often do not have the same rights as permanent employees, such as access to collective bargaining, social security, or health benefits (Choudhury & Suri, 2021). Additionally, employers in the gig economy often classify workers as independent contractors rather than employees, thus evading labor laws that would otherwise facilitate union organizing (ILO, 2020). As a result, workers face difficulties in asserting their rights, negotiating better pay, or securing workplace protections, further exacerbating their vulnerability to exploitation. Efforts to organize this workforce often require innovative strategies, such as digital platforms for communication and support, to overcome these barriers and build solidarity among workers who are typically isolated by their short-term or gig-based employment arrangements.

Employer Resistance and Anti-Union Policies

In high-risk industries such as construction and mining, employers often resist unionization efforts through a variety of tactics, including intimidation, exploitation of legal loopholes, and outright hostility. This resistance can take many forms, such as the use of threats, job insecurity, or physical intimidation to discourage workers from organizing. Additionally, employers may employ legal strategies to delay or block union recognition, such as challenging union elections or manipulating contract terms to undermine collective bargaining efforts. In some cases, employers may also use external legal and financial resources to suppress union activities or create a climate of fear among workers, preventing them from exercising their right to unionize (Freeman & Medoff, 1984; ILO, 2023). This environment not only makes it harder for workers to organize but also exacerbates the unsafe and exploitative conditions that many laborers face in these industries. Moreover, in regions where labor laws are weak or poorly enforced, these strategies often go unchecked, further emboldening employers to resist unionization efforts. This underscores the need for stronger legal protections for workers and more robust enforcement of labor rights.

Precarious Work and Job Insecurity

The rise of gig work and short-term contracts presents significant challenges for unions aiming to organize workers, as these workers often face unstable and non-traditional employment arrangements. Gig workers, such as those in the ride-sharing, delivery, or freelance sectors, frequently move between jobs, making it difficult for unions to establish a sense of permanence and unity among workers. Moreover, many gig workers operate under informal or contractual conditions that lack the legal recognition and protections necessary for unionization. The flexibility of gig work, while appealing to some, also means that workers often do not have the same rights as permanent employees, such as access to collective bargaining, social security, or health benefits (Choudhury & Suri, 2021). Additionally, employers in the gig economy often classify workers as independent contractors rather than employees, thus evading labor laws that would otherwise facilitate union organizing (ILO, 2020). As a result, workers face difficulties in asserting their rights, negotiating better pay, or securing workplace protections, further exacerbating their vulnerability to exploitation. Efforts to organize this workforce often require innovative strategies, such as digital platforms for communication and support, to overcome these barriers and build solidarity among workers who are typically isolated by their short-term or gig-based employment arrangements.

Lack of Legal Protections

Many informal workers, such as domestic workers and street vendors, fall outside the scope of labor laws, making it more difficult for unions to advocate for improved working conditions. These workers often lack formal contracts and are not entitled to the same protections as those in the formal economy, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and unsafe working conditions. As a result, unions face significant challenges in organizing and negotiating for better pay, safety, and benefits for these workers (International Labour Organization, 2021; IMF, 2021).

Weak Collective Bargaining Structures

In countries where labor laws are weak or inadequately enforced, unions often face significant challenges in gaining recognition and securing bargaining power. Weak enforcement mechanisms leave employers with little incentive to comply with labor standards, undermining the unions' ability to negotiate fair wages, better working conditions, and adequate benefits. In these environments, workers may struggle to organize, as unions lack the legal protections necessary to advocate for them effectively. Additionally, the lack of legal backing for union activities can lead to harassment or retaliation from employers, further discouraging workers from joining or supporting union efforts (International Labour Organization, 2021; IMF, 2021).

Strategies to Strengthen Unions

Expanding Legal Protections

Governments should extend labor protections to informal workers, ensuring they have access to social security, fair wages, and the right to participate in collective bargaining. Many informal workers, such as domestic workers, street vendors, and gig economy participants, lack basic protections like health insurance, paid leave, or workplace safety measures, leaving them exposed to exploitation and unsafe conditions. By providing these workers with legal recognition and protections, governments can help reduce inequality and improve working conditions. Extending labor rights would not only support the well-being of workers but also contribute to a more fair and sustainable economy. Various international bodies, such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), emphasize the need to include informal workers in the formal social protection system to ensure equitable growth and reduce poverty (ILO, 2021; IMF, 2021).

Innovative Organizing Methods

Digital Platforms

Unions can use social media, mobile apps, and online platforms to reach gig and informal workers.

Worker Associations and Cooperatives: In sectors where formal unions are difficult to establish, worker-led cooperatives and associations can provide an alternative​

Cross-Sector Alliances

Collaboration with NGOs, international labor organizations, and advocacy groups can help unions amplify their influence and push for better labor standards​

Education and Awareness Campaigns

Raising awareness among workers about their rights and the benefits of unionization can encourage greater participation and activism​

Stronger Enforcement Mechanisms

Governments must enforce labor laws more effectively, ensuring that employers comply with collective bargaining agreements and workplace safety regulations

 

 

 

 

REFERENCES

ACTU. (2012). The Model Work Health and Safety Act: A national framework for work health and safety. Australian Council of Trade Unions.

Choudhury, P., & Suri, T. (2021). The gig economy and labor rights: A critical perspective. Journal of Labor Studies, 34(2), 58-77. https://doi.org/10.1080/135048514.2021.1769304

CUPE. (2019). Joint Health and Safety Committees: A guide for workers. Canadian Union of Public Employees.

Dunlop, J. T. (1958). Industrial relations systems. Holt, Rinehart and Winston.

Freeman, R. B., & Medoff, J. L. (1984). What do unions do? Basic Books.

International Labour Organization (ILO). (2020). Global gig economy and labor market regulations. https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/gig-economy/lang--en/index.htm

International Labour Organization (ILO). (2025). The role of labor unions in promoting workplace safety in Malawi. https://www.ilo.org/malawi

IMF. (2021). The role of labor market reforms in addressing inequality. International Monetary Fund.

JSTOR. (2025). Union-led programs and their impact on workplace safety in Malawi. JSTOR database.

State Department. (2025). Malawi's efforts to improve labor conditions and occupational safety. U.S. Department of State.

Teamsters. (2021). Collective bargaining agreements and worker safety provisions. International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

TUC. (2020). Workplace Wellbeing: Addressing mental health in the workplace. Trade Union Congress.

USA.gov. (2023). Labor union rights and workplace safety protections. https://www.usa.gov/labor-unions

United Auto Workers (UAW). (2020). Safety training initiatives and their effectiveness in the automotive industry. United Auto Workers.

United Steelworkers (USW). (2018). Worker-led safety inspections in high-risk industries. United Steelworkers.

Vittana. (2023). The role of unions in improving workers' rights and workplace safety. https://www.vittana.org/role-of-unions-in-workers-rights

Webb, S., & Webb, B. (1897). Industrial democracy. Longmans, Green & Co.