ILO familiarises govt, chiefs on hazardous work
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) on Monday organised a workshop to familiarise government officials and traditional leaders on hazardous work for children under the Employment Act (Chapter 55:02).
Speaking at the workshop, ILO national liaison officer Charles Nangwale said children under the age of 18 are not supposed to be involved in handling or application of chemicals, veterinary drugs, pesticides and insecticides in any agriculture undertaking.
“The Malawi Employment Act, Chapter 55:02 prohibits involving children in bee-keeping or any work that exposes them to bees.
“It further prohibits them from handling plants or soil immediately after applying chemicals or exposing them to dangerous machinery, equipment or tools,” he said.
In the meat, poultry and fish sector, the law prohibits children from slaughtering animals or working in abattoirs or tanneries.
“Handling, processing, manufacturing or packing of tobacco is also prohibited under the Employment Act,” he said.
Mulanje district commissioner Jack Nguluwe, who opened the meeting, expressed the need to clearly define what constitute hazardous work.
Government, through the Ministry of Labour, drew a list of hazardous work for children under the Act.
Active Youth for Social Enhancement (Ayise) Marcel Chisi said he was excited with the list as it will form a framework for tackling child labour issues.
Ayise was one of agencies that was implementing government’s two –year Support to Nation Action Plan to Combat Child Labour Programme funded by ILO in the district.
Government was also running similar projects in Lilongwe, Kasungu and Mzimba through other implementing agencies.
