The Ngounié province in southern Gabon recorded a total of 168 work accidents in 2026, including six fatal ones, according to recent statistics released during a health and safety awareness session organized by the National Social Security Fund (CNSS) in Mouila. The session, themed "Preventing Fatal and Serious Accidents: The Responsibility of All Stakeholders in the Face of Major Risks," brought together authorities, employers, and workers to discuss occupational risk prevention.
The CNSS reported that although the number of accidents is decreasing, the figures remain concerning. Wenceslas Kayara, the controller in charge of occupational risk prevention, stated that Olam Palm Gabon alone accounted for 110 cases, or approximately 65% of the accidents recorded in the province. This suggests that some companies may need to strengthen their safety measures to protect workers.
At the national level, Gabon recorded a total of 32,078 work accidents between 2015 and 2025, averaging eight to nine cases per day. The CNSS emphasized the importance of preventing occupational risks and encouraged companies to declare all work accidents systematically. Diane Hermine Nnegue Asseko, director of the Mouila agency, urged employers to reinforce their prevention measures and ensure that workers respect safety protocols and wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
The awareness session concluded with a call for greater involvement from all stakeholders in preventing occupational risks and strict adherence to safety standards to preserve human life. Asseko stressed that no production imperative can justify exposing workers to avoidable danger, adding that a fatal accident is never just a statistic, but a lost life and a grieving family.
The CNSS aims to reduce the number of work accidents through education and awareness campaigns. By engaging with employers, workers, and authorities, the organization hopes to promote a culture of safety and prevention in the workplace. This effort is crucial in reducing the number of occupational accidents and ensuring a safer working environment for all.
In Gabon, occupational accidents can have severe consequences for workers, their families, and the economy as a whole. By addressing the root causes of these accidents and implementing effective prevention measures, the country can reduce the social and economic costs associated with work-related injuries and fatalities.
The government, employers, and workers must work together to create a safer work environment in Gabon. By prioritizing occupational health and safety, they can reduce the number of work accidents and promote sustainable economic growth. Key stakeholders must take a proactive approach to preventing occupational risks and protecting workers' lives.
Key points
- 168 work accidents, including 6 fatal ones, were recorded in Ngounié province in 2026.
- Olam Palm Gabon accounted for 110 cases, or approximately 65% of the accidents recorded in the province.
- Gabon recorded 32,078 work accidents between 2015 and 2025, averaging eight to nine cases per day.
