QHSE Zimbabwe Blog

Expert insights, industry news, and thought leadership in Quality, Health, Safety, and Environmental management. Stay informed with the latest developments in Zimbabwe's QHSSE landscape.

Featured Article January 15, 2025

📋 Latest Updates in ISO Standards: ISO 9001 & ISO 45001

We remain committed to keeping our Quality, Health, Safety, and Environmental (QHSE) systems aligned with the latest international best practices. Below are key updates that organisations should be aware of:

ISO 9001:2026 – Quality Management

  • The new edition of ISO 9001 is scheduled for publication in September 2026, replacing ISO 9001:2015.
  • Organisations will have a three-year transition period to migrate to the new requirements.

Key focus areas in the revision include:

  • Stronger emphasis on risk management and organisational resilience.
  • Integration of sustainability and climate change considerations into the quality framework.
  • Greater recognition of digitalisation, data analytics, and technology in quality management.
  • Enhanced attention to supply chain robustness and stakeholder expectations.

The overall structure of the standard will remain consistent, meaning organisations with integrated management systems will not face disruptive structural changes.

ISO 45001 – Occupational Health & Safety

  • ISO 45001:2018 remains the active standard, but in 2024 an official amendment introduced climate action considerations into the management system framework.
  • A full revision of ISO 45001 is expected in 2027.

Anticipated changes include:

  • Stronger requirements for managing the impact of climate change on occupational health and safety.
  • Clearer expectations for management of change processes, ensuring workforce involvement in transitions.
  • Expanded focus on supply chain and external risk management.
  • Possible integration of human rights, whistleblowing, and ethical conduct elements into health and safety management.

What This Means for Organisations

Forward-thinking companies should begin preparing now by:

  • Reviewing and updating their risk registers to include climate, digital, and supply chain risks.
  • Training leaders and employees on resilience, sustainability, and change management.
  • Strengthening internal audit programmes to cover these new themes.
  • Ensuring policies and systems are flexible enough to align with the upcoming revisions.

Preparation Excellence

"Organisations that start preparing now for these ISO updates will be better positioned to maintain compliance and competitive advantage."

- QHSE Zimbabwe ISO Specialist

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Essential QHSSE Topics

  • How to Prepare for ISO Certification

    A comprehensive guide to ISO implementation and certification readiness

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  • Top 5 Compliance Mistakes

    Common pitfalls and how small businesses can avoid them

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Latest Insights

Stay informed with our latest safety insights, critical incident reports, and expert analysis from across Zimbabwe and the region.

Critical Infrastructure
June 28, 2025

Sally Mugabe Central Hospital Fire

A fire erupted in a rooftop storeroom above critical areas including the ICU and operating theatre. Emergency protocols led to patient evacuation with no injuries reported. The fire was contained within 40 minutes by Harare Fire Brigade.

Reported by: Pindula News, iHarare News
Commercial Safety
May 18, 2025

Magaba Informal Traders' Market Fire

Early morning fire at Magaba market in Mbare destroyed property valued at US$15,000. About 15 traders lost equipment including grinders, fridges, and computers. City of Harare plans to redesign the area with fire prevention systems.

Reported by: allAfrica.com
Power Infrastructure
May 4, 2025

Highfield ZESA Substation Fire

Fire at Highfield ZESA substation caused extensive power outages across southern Harare, affecting residential and industrial areas including Southerton, Workington, and multiple suburbs. ZETDC implemented emergency measures.

Reported by: iHarare News, binduraeye.co.zw, allAfrica.com
State of Disaster
October 2024

Mbare Musika Market Fire

Major fire at Mbare Musika market destroyed goods worth millions of dollars in the vegetable section. President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared the incident a state of disaster, highlighting the need for improved safety measures.

Reported by: allAfrica.com

🚒 Emergency Response and Infrastructure Challenges

Analysis of systemic issues revealed by recent incidents across Zimbabwe's emergency response infrastructure

Inadequate Firefighting Resources

Prior to 2023, Harare had only four functional fire engines servicing 46 wards. Government procured 133 firefighting trucks from Belarus, with 23 commissioned in August 2023.

Source: Herald

Non-functional Fire Hydrants

Many fire hydrants in Harare are non-functional, forcing fire trucks to rely on their onboard water supplies, hampering firefighting efforts in densely populated areas.

Source: Reddit

Building Safety Concerns

At least 31% of buildings in Harare's central business district are in a state of disrepair, posing additional risks during emergencies.

Source: Herald

🛡️ Forward-Looking Measures

Strategic initiatives and solutions being implemented to prevent future incidents and enhance emergency response capabilities

Infrastructure Upgrades

City of Harare plans to redesign high-risk areas like Magaba-Siya So to include fire hydrants and other fire prevention systems.

Enhanced Emergency Response

Acquisition of new firefighting equipment aims to improve response times and effectiveness during emergencies.

Public Awareness Campaigns

Educating the public on fire safety and emergency protocols is crucial in preventing and effectively responding to fire incidents.

Need Emergency Response Training?

Learn from these incidents and protect your organization with our comprehensive fire safety and emergency response training programs tailored for Zimbabwe's unique challenges.