Work Accidents Reveal Disturbing Imbalances in Morocco's Occupational Safety System

From Rabat, the findings presented by experts on occupational safety and health in Morocco paint a concerning picture, revealing significant shortcomings in the implementation of existing legal frameworks. On the occasion of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, attention has been drawn to the "weak compliance" with Moroccan legal provisions, particularly the Labor Code.

Experts like Amin Sami point out that the problem lies not just in the absence of regulations but in the poor adherence to them, exacerbated by the prevalence of very small enterprises and the informal sector. The statistics from 2018, which recorded over 50,000 work accidents, including 756 deaths and thousands of cases of temporary and permanent disability, underscore the severity of the issue. The Economic, Social, and Environmental Council itself acknowledges that these figures do not represent the full reality.

Further compounding the problem is the insufficient number of occupational physicians and the low percentage of companies that have established safety and health committees. Only about 17% of relevant companies have such committees, and the number of occupational physicians barely reaches 1,400. This situation is particularly critical in sectors like construction, agriculture, and among small and unorganized businesses.

Hicham Maarouf, an expert in public policies and social protection, emphasizes that while legislative progress has been made, the real challenge lies in the "lack of synergy and effectiveness in implementation." He notes a gap between legislation and practice, with weaknesses in monitoring and inspection mechanisms due to limited human and logistical resources. The limited activation of safety committees, especially in small and medium-sized enterprises, further highlights this implementation deficit.

Morocco is urged to shift from a reactive approach of "compensation after the accident" to a proactive one of "prevention before the danger." Strict enforcement of the law, strengthened inspections, widespread occupational health services, integration of professional mental health, and protection for workers in the informal sector are not seen as additional costs but as direct investments in productivity, trust, social stability, and the attractiveness of the national economy. The call is for a comprehensive overhaul, including updating legal texts to address modern challenges like remote work and psychological risks, and imposing stricter penalties for non-compliance.