THE agriculture sector should increase efforts to protect its employees to reduce workplace accidents, a senior Government official has said.

Labour and Social Services permanent secretary Mr Lance Museka made the remarks recently while addressing a meeting on the code of practice for occupational health and safety in the agricultural sector.

"All organisations in the agricultural sector have a duty to ensure that employees in their undertakings remain safe at all times," he said.

"The promotion of occupational health and safety not only reduces injuries, but also reduces illness treatment-related costs, medical expenses and low production due to sick leave.

"In a bid to harness agriculture's great potential, collaborative efforts are needed to tackle and correct this decent work deficit and the only way to go is through social dialogue."

More than 140 people died due to work-related accidents, while 1 867 were seriously injured in the first four months of the year compared to 35 deaths and 1 607 serious injuries recorded during the same period last year.

Work related accidents are mostly recorded in the agriculture, mining and manufacturing sectors.

Mr Museka said Zimbabwe was mandated to curb workplace fatalities as it was a signatory of International Labour Organisation's Convention 155 on occupational health and safety which encourages prevention of workplace injuries and deaths in all segments of the economy.

According to the ILO, about 2,4 million people die each year from work-related accidents and diseases worldwide.

Government has since begun harmonising laws in tandem with employee safety and Mr Museka said this would help remedy the situation.