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Labour and Social Security Ministry to Mark Workers’ Week with Special Events

By: , May 8, 2016

The Key Point:

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security will stage two special events in commemorating National Workers’ Week, from May 15 to 23.

The Facts

  • Portfolio Minister, Hon. Shahine Robinson, says these are a panel discussion and a public march, both aimed at heightening public awareness about occupational safety and health in the workplace.
  • She said the engagements are intended to increase knowledge about potential hazards and risks at the workplace as well as measures for prevention and control.

The Full Story

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security will stage two special events in commemorating National Workers’ Week, from May 15 to 23.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Shahine Robinson, says these are a panel discussion and a public march, both aimed at heightening public awareness about occupational safety and health in the workplace.

She said the engagements are intended to increase knowledge about potential hazards and risks at the workplace as well as measures for prevention and control.

The Minister was speaking at the launch of National Workers’ Week and Labour Day 2016 at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) on Friday, May 6.

Mrs. Robinson advised that the panel discussion will be jointly staged with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the theme: ‘Work for Human Development – New Realities of the World of Work in Jamaica’

The event is scheduled for May 18 at the Liguanea Club, New Kingston, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

The Minister advised that in addition to occupational health and safety, the forum will explore matters relating to youth in the workplace; gender issues; and the impact of information and communications technology (ICT).

The Jamaica Employers’ Federation (JEF) and Jamaican Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU) are also partnering with the Ministry on this initiative.

The public ‘silent’ march is scheduled for May 20, beginning at the Ministry’s North Street offices and culminating its National Heroes Circle complex in Kingston.

The proceedings will include the distribution of promotional literature on occupational safety and health

Mrs. Robinson said other Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies have been invited to mount mini-exhibitions at their offices, showcasing information or memorabilia relating to National Workers’ Week and Labour Day.

She explained that these initiatives are consistent with the Ministry’s commitment to creating an environment conducive to the protection of the rights of workers and employers; the provision of decent work; and a strong social protection system.

“This is a focus which fits in well with the national attention being placed on a clean environment for healthy outcomes. For it is only through individual attention to safety and health in our work environment that we can, by second nature, apply this principle to the wider external environment,” Mrs. Robinson said.

National Workers’ Week is being observed under the theme: ‘For Health’s Sake, Keep it Clean’.

Activities for the week will focus on clean-up and repair projects, and work to identify and eradicate mosquito breeding sites to prevent the outbreak of vector-borne diseases.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Robinson said the Ministry is continuing work to implement a comprehensive occupational safety and health legislation intended to safeguard the wellbeing of all persons in workers.

Last Updated: December 12, 2016

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