Workers injured in suspected explosive incident at Harare scrap metal yard raise safety concerns

Workers at an industrial site in New Ardbennie, Harare, have raised serious concerns over workplace safety after an explosion reportedly injured two employees during the offloading of scrap metal last month. The incident is alleged to have occurred at a metal-processing company that manufactures mining equipment and melts scrap metal in a foundry.

According to accounts from workers, a truck delivering scrap metal contained suspected explosive devices, which detonated while the material was being offloaded.

“We noticed unusual objects in the scrap and alerted management immediately,” one worker said. “But we were told to continue working.”

Moments later, one of the suspected explosives detonated. Two workers were injured in the blast. One sustained serious chest injuries and was admitted to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, while another suffered minor head injuries and was discharged after receiving treatment.

Workers allege that no immediate report was made to authorities following the explosion.

They further claim that the employee who sustained serious injuries was later sent home without adequate support or compensation.

Attempts by employees to engage management over safety concerns have reportedly not yielded results.

“We have tried to arrange meetings, but nothing meaningful has happened,” said another worker. “We are worried about our safety.”

Workers said they escalated the matter to the National Employment Council for the Iron and Steel Industry, citing poor working conditions and safety risks. The council is said to have acknowledged the complaint and indicated it would investigate, but workers claim no follow-up action has been taken so far.

Occupational safety experts say the presence of explosives in scrap metal is a known risk in the recycling and foundry industry, particularly where materials may originate from unknown or unverified sources. Industrial safety consultant Engineer Tawanda Moyo said strict screening protocols are essential.

“Scrap metal should always be inspected thoroughly before handling or processing. The presence of unexploded ordnance or hazardous materials can be fatal,” he said.

He added that incidents involving suspected explosives should be immediately reported to authorities, including the Zimbabwe Republic Police.

Under Zimbabwean labour and safety regulations, employers are required to provide a safe working environment and to report serious workplace accidents. Labour law expert Tariro Dube said failure to report such incidents could expose companies to legal consequences.

“Employers have a duty of care to their workers. Any serious injury or hazardous incident must be documented and investigated,” she said.

Workers are now calling for an independent investigation into the incident, improved safety standards, and support for injured employees. Authorities had not issued an official statement on the matter at the time of publication.

Harare explosion scrap metal