Statement – Occupational Safety and Health
Public Relations Unit
1F North Street, Kingston
Tel: (876) 967-5484
Fax: (876) 948-2831
Monday, June 8, 2020
Powers of Entry of Labour Officers into Establishments
The Ministry of Labour and Social Security commends all employers and business operators who have developed infection prevention and control measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. In particular, we encourage employers to continuously monitor the protocols and guidelines established by the Ministry of Health and Wellness in crafting and implementing their internal COVID-19 symptom screening.
It has been brought to our attention that there are instances where Labour Officers of the Ministry are being asked by employers to complete symptom screening forms day(s) in advance of conducting inspections. These forms are then used to determine if the Labour Officer will be granted access to a facility. Please note that this constitutes a breach of Section 3 of the Labour Officer’s (Powers Act) which states:
“A Labour Officer may at all reasonable times enter upon any premises, other than a dwelling-house, for the purpose of carrying out any inspection or inquiry which he may consider desirable for ensuring the proper observance of any enactment which is, or hereafter may be included in the Schedule.”
The Ministry has been proactive in developing and implementing its internal infection and prevention control measures to reduce the risk of our Labour Officers being potential agents of COVID-19 transmission. You are therefore encouraged to ensure that the measures implemented are not in contravention of the powers conferred to Labour Officers.
Contact: MLSS Public Relations Unit Straight Line: (876) 967-5484 |Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm Like and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlssjamaica/?ref=bookmarks; Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamaicaMlss and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlssjamaica Visit our website: www.mlss.gov.jm for more.