OSHA to be Enacted this Year
By: , May 29, 2016The Key Point:
Photo: Glenis Rose
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Shahine Robinson (second left), prepares to cut the ribbon to open the 34th Jamaica Employer Federation (JEF) Annual Business and Workplace Convention, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Rose Hall, St. James, on May 26. Others (from left) are: President of the Federation, David Wan; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Collette Roberts-Risden and Chairman of the JEF, Wayne Chen.The Facts
- She commended those employers who have promoted a health and wellness policy in the workplace.
- The Minister pointed to several initiatives the Ministry is pushing to realise this, particularly the labour market reform.
The Full Story
The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) is expected to be enacted this fiscal year.
This was noted by Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Shahine Robinson, at the Jamaica Employers’ Federation (JEF) Business and Workplace Convention, in Montego Bay, on May 26.
“The decent work Agenda promoted by the International Labor Organization endorses OSHA as a primary instrument for workplaces which are conducive to safety, health, wellness and productivity. It is with this in mind that this administration, during this financial year, will enact the long awaited Act,” she said.
Mrs. Robinson said in preparation for OSHA, the Ministry will continue its sensitisation sessions and consultations with businesses in the private and public sectors.
She commended those employers who have promoted a health and wellness policy in the workplace.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Robinson said the theme for this year’s convention: ‘Empower People…Energise Business’, “is an urgent imperative to once again make Jamaica the pearl of the Caribbean”. She urged employers to play a pivotal role in making this a reality.
The Minister pointed to several initiatives the Ministry is pushing to realise this, particularly the labour market reform.
“The reform will play a seminal role in charting the strategies we employ to enhance productivity, capacity building, technology and innovation and social protection, which is very integral to the lives of our workers and their families,” she said.
She added that the reform will be achieved through a regulatory framework guided by policies and consensus emanating from the tripartite (Government, Employers and Employees) approach entrenched in the structure of the Labour Market Reform Commission.