OSH Legislation Will Ensure Strict Adherence to Workplace Safety – Robinson

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Shahine Robinson, says the proposed Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Bill will serve to ensure strict adherence to workplace safety standards.

The Bill is being reviewed by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel and is expected to be tabled in Parliament later this year.

“The enactment of the Occupational Safety and Health legislation is on the priority legislation programme of the Ministry, and we will continue to have consultations with stakeholders on the Bill,” she said.

Mrs. Robinson was speaking at the National Workers’ Week and Labour Day Thanksgiving Service at the Olson Memorial Church of God in St. Andrew on May 15.

The Minister informed that a team from the Ministry’s OSH Department is conducting investigations into last week’s collapse of a section of the Royalton Negril Hotel in Hanover, which is under construction.

She said the findings from the investigation will serve to strengthen the Ministry’s efforts at compliance.

National Workers’ Week is being observed from May 15 to Labour Day, May 23, under the theme: ‘For Health’s Sake…Keep It Clean’.

Minister Robinson said the theme is in line with the Ministry’s focus on health and the environment.

“It also speaks to the fact that we all have a duty towards safety and health in our work environment, as well as the wider external environment,” she said.

She further saluted Jamaican workers and acknowledged “the tremendously vital role they play in nation-building”.

Mrs. Robinson also acknowledged the role of trade unions and workers’ associations, and recognised the country’s entrepreneurs, investors and employers for their important role in fostering dialogue and industrial harmony.