An 18-year-old man from Kanyama Compound in Lusaka is appealing for government intervention after losing eight fingers in a workplace accident just two days after starting a new job at a Chinese-owned tile manufacturing company.
Derrick Chipekema says the incident happened while he was operating a tile-making machine. According to him, he had not received any safety orientation or training before being assigned to the machine. He also claims he was not provided with protective clothing or the necessary safety equipment.
The accident left him permanently disabled after eight of his fingers were severed.
Speaking in an interview with PTV2 News, Mr. Chipekema said his employer later offered him K50,000 as compensation. However, he rejected the offer, arguing that it does not reflect the lifelong impact of the injuries he has suffered.
He explained that he had been employed on a permanent basis and was expected to earn a monthly salary of K1,500 before the accident happened.
Mr. Chipekema is now calling on the Government to intervene, saying he believes he has not been treated fairly and is seeking justice over the incident.
The case has renewed discussion about workplace safety, employee training and compensation for workers who suffer serious injuries while on duty.