Occupational Health and Safety in Cameroon
Workplace safety is both a legal obligation and a moral imperative. Cameroon's regulatory framework establishes clear requirements for employers, and failure to comply can result in criminal liability, civil penalties, and devastating human costs.
Legal Framework
Workplace health and safety in Cameroon is governed by:
Labor Code (Law No. 92/007) – Chapter on health and safety at work
Social Insurance Code – Workplace accident and occupational disease provisions
Ministerial orders – Sector-specific safety regulations
International conventions – ILO conventions ratified by Cameroon
Employer Obligations
General Requirements
Provide a safe and healthy working environment
Identify and assess workplace hazards
Implement preventive measures to eliminate or reduce risks
Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) free of charge
Train employees on safety procedures relevant to their roles
Health Committee (Comité d'Hygiène et de Sécurité)
Companies with 50 or more employees must establish a health and safety committee:
Composed of employer representatives and elected employee representatives
Meets at least quarterly
Investigates workplace accidents and near-misses
Recommends safety improvements
Conducts regular workplace inspections
Medical Surveillance
Pre-employment medical examinations for all new hires
Annual medical examinations for all employees
Special medical surveillance for employees exposed to specific hazards
Engagement of an occupational health physician (médecin du travail)
Workplace Accident Management
When a workplace accident occurs:
Immediate response – Provide first aid and medical treatment
Report to CNPS – Within 3 working days using the accident declaration form
Investigation – Determine root causes and contributing factors
Documentation – Record all details in the workplace accident register
Prevention – Implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence
High-Risk Sectors in Cameroon
Certain industries require enhanced safety measures:
Construction – Fall protection, scaffolding safety, heavy equipment operation
Mining – Underground safety, dust control, chemical handling
Oil & Gas – Fire prevention, emergency response, hazardous materials
Agriculture – Pesticide handling, heat stress, machinery safety
Manufacturing – Machine guarding, noise control, ergonomics
Building a Safety Culture
Beyond compliance, create a genuine safety culture:
Leadership commitment – Visible safety leadership from top management
Employee involvement – Encourage reporting of hazards and near-misses
Regular training – Ongoing safety education for all levels
Recognition – Reward safe behavior and safety improvements
Continuous improvement – Regular review and update of safety procedures
Conclusion
Investing in workplace safety protects your most valuable asset—your people. It also protects your business from legal liability, financial losses, and reputational damage. A proactive approach to safety pays dividends in every sense.
Need help with workplace safety compliance? Contact CDS Human Resources SARL for comprehensive OHS advisory services.