Health & Safety in Burkina Faso

Ensuring a safe and healthy workplace is a fundamental requirement for businesses operating in Burkina Faso. A robust occupational health and safety (OHS) framework is crucial not only for protecting the well-being of employees but also for ensuring compliance with national regulations and fostering a productive work environment. Adhering to established standards helps mitigate risks, prevent accidents, and contributes to the overall sustainability of operations within the country.

The government of Burkina Faso has put in place a legal structure designed to govern workplace safety and health across various sectors. Employers are mandated to understand and implement these regulations to create secure conditions for their workforce, aligning with international labor standards and national priorities for worker protection.

Health and Safety Laws and Regulatory Framework

Workplace health and safety in Burkina Faso is primarily governed by the Labor Code, which establishes general principles and obligations for employers and employees regarding working conditions, safety, and health. Specific decrees and regulations further elaborate on these principles, addressing particular hazards, industries, and administrative procedures. The Ministry responsible for Labor and Social Security, along with other relevant ministries (such as Health), oversees the implementation and enforcement of these laws.

Key aspects covered by the regulatory framework include:

• General duties of employers to ensure the safety and health of their workers.
• Requirements for workplace hygiene and sanitation.
• Regulations concerning specific types of work, machinery, and substances.
• Provisions for medical services and first aid in the workplace.
• Rules regarding working hours and rest periods that impact safety.

Occupational Health and Safety Standards and Practices

Employers in Burkina Faso are expected to implement proactive measures to identify, assess, and control workplace risks. This involves establishing and maintaining OHS standards tailored to the specific activities and hazards present in their operations. A core practice is the systematic assessment of risks to determine potential dangers and implement appropriate preventative and protective measures.

Key standards and practices include:

• Risk Assessment: Conducting regular evaluations of the workplace to identify potential hazards (e.g., physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, psychosocial) and assess the level of risk they pose. Based on the assessment, control measures are developed and implemented.
• Preventative Measures: Implementing technical, organizational, and personal protective measures to eliminate or reduce risks. This includes ensuring machinery safety, proper ventilation, safe handling of materials, and establishing safe work procedures.
• Safety Committees: Depending on the size and nature of the enterprise, the establishment of a Health and Safety Committee may be mandatory. These committees typically comprise representatives from both management and employees and serve as a forum for discussing OHS issues, reviewing incidents, and proposing improvements.
• Training Requirements: Providing adequate and appropriate training to employees on workplace hazards, safe work practices, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency procedures. Training should be provided upon hiring, when new tasks or equipment are introduced, and periodically thereafter.
• Provision of PPE: Supplying necessary personal protective equipment free of charge to employees when risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means, and ensuring its proper use and maintenance.

Workplace Inspection Processes and Requirements

Workplace inspections are carried out by labor inspectors and other authorized officials to ensure compliance with OHS legislation. These inspections can be routine, follow a complaint, or occur after an accident. Employers are required to cooperate fully with inspectors and provide access to the workplace and relevant documentation.

During an inspection, authorities may examine:

• The physical condition of the workplace, machinery, and equipment.
• Safety procedures and work organization.
• Availability and use of PPE.
• Records related to OHS, including risk assessments, training records, accident reports, and medical surveillance records.
• The functioning of the Health and Safety Committee, if applicable.

Inspectors have the authority to issue notices requiring corrective actions within a specified timeframe and, in cases of imminent danger, can order the suspension of work activities.

Workplace Accident Protocols and Reporting

In the event of a workplace accident or occupational illness, specific protocols must be followed. The immediate priority is to provide first aid and medical attention to the affected individual(s) and secure the accident scene to prevent further incidents.

Employers are legally required to report workplace accidents and occupational illnesses to the relevant authorities. The reporting process typically involves:

1. Immediate Action: Providing first aid and seeking medical help.
2. Investigation: Conducting an internal investigation to determine the cause of the accident or illness.
3. Notification: Notifying the labor inspectorate and the social security fund (Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale - CNSS) within a specified timeframe (usually 24 or 48 hours, depending on the severity and specific regulation).
4. Detailed Report: Submitting a detailed written report to the authorities, including information about the victim, the circumstances of the incident, and the steps taken or planned to prevent recurrence.

Failure to report accidents or illnesses can result in penalties.

Employer and Employee Responsibilities for Workplace Safety

Workplace safety is a shared responsibility between employers and employees.

Employer Responsibilities:

• Provide a safe and healthy working environment free from recognized hazards.
• Implement and maintain effective OHS policies and procedures.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement control measures.
• Provide necessary safety training and supervision.
• Supply and maintain appropriate PPE.
• Ensure machinery and equipment are safe and properly maintained.
• Establish emergency procedures and ensure employees are trained on them.
• Maintain required OHS documentation.
• Report workplace accidents and occupational illnesses to the authorities.

Employee Responsibilities:

• Comply with all OHS rules, procedures, and instructions provided by the employer.
• Use provided PPE correctly.
• Take reasonable care for their own safety and the safety of others affected by their actions or omissions.
• Report any hazards, unsafe conditions, or incidents (including near misses) to their supervisor or employer.
• Cooperate with the employer on OHS matters.
• Participate in OHS training programs.