ILO Regional Office Supports OSH Bill

The Regional Office of the International Labour Organization (ILO) has pledged its commitment to continue its support of the Government’s efforts to legislate the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Bill.

The Bill, which falls under the purview of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, seeks to safeguard the welfare of employees in the workplace.

In an interview with JIS News, Officer in Charge at the ILO, Dr. Giovanni di Cola, said passing the Bill is directly related to competitiveness and productivity within the labour market.

Dr. di Cola also added that approval of the Bill “is a way to enhance a number of standards – international labour standards, quality standards, occupational, safety and health standards.”

The ILO Representative noted that the OSH Bill would provide various opportunities for increased productivity among the workforce. Additionally, Dr. di Cola noted that when the Bill is finalized, the quality of jobs at the manufacturing, service or industry level would also be improved.

“When you bring up the quality of jobs, you (will also improve) a number of other components of employment-related matters and that is why its (Bill) passing and implementation is so crucial.”

Labour and Social Security Minister, Hon. Derrick Kellier, in his recent address to the University of Technology’s Diabetes Outreach Programme (UDOP) International Conference, also underscored the importance of the passing of the OSH Bill into law.

He highlighted that the process is proving challenging, because of new and emerging innovations; and production systems and technologies that are giving rise to new and robust issues in occupational safety and health.

“The Government is reaffirming its commitment to the Occupational Safety and Health Bill,” Minister Kellier said, as the legislation will encourage the maintenance of safety and health standards for workers.

“The Bill will set the groundwork for the implementation of protection for all workers in all spheres of economic activities, and will comprehensively address all manifestations of occupational hazards,” he outlined.

Mr. Kellier said the Attorney General’s office is currently reviewing the OSH Bill to ensure that it fits into all legal requirements, and that on completion of the checks, the Bill will be submitted to the Legislative Committee of Cabinet for approval before it is tabled in Parliament.

By Toni-Ann Rankine, JIS Reporter