Minister Samuda Pushes for 2022/23 Financial Year Implementation of OSH Bill
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Friday, June 10, 2022
Minister Samuda Pushes for 2022/23 Financial Year Implementation of OSH Bill
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Karl Samuda has asserted that the Ministry team has been moving swiftly in providing support to the legislative process to complete redrafting of the Occupational Safety and Health Bill (OSH Bill) for its tabling in the Houses of Parliament.
Minister Samuda made his comments during a Courtesy Call with the President of the Jamaica Occupational Health and Safety Professionals Association (JOHSPA), Dr. Yohann White, at the Ministry’s North Street offices in Kingston, last Thursday (June 9). The Minister noted, that the OSH Bill remains a serious priority of his and the goal is to have the matter completed before the end of the 2022/2023 Fiscal year.
“We have put everything in motion thus far and I have spoken to the Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs regarding the urgency and importance of having the revised bill completed as quickly as possible”, Minister Samuda said.
According to the Minister, the timeline given for the legislation to be in place can be strenuous however, he believes the Bill has been languishing for far too long and must be put in place to regulate safety practices in the workplace to help in curtailing on-the-job injuries and fatalities.
On the other hand, Minister Samuda indicated that Occupational Health and Safety is a very challenging field, partly due to the lack of observation and compliance with rules and procedures, especially in the Construction Sector.
“It would be inaccurate to suggest that we are not focused on getting the Bill passed but the Bill is only part of the solution”, the Minister said.
He further indicated that he welcomes collaborations with JOHSPA and looks forward to their continued support on Occupational Safety and Health matters.
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