Press release – The Ministry of Labour reminds employers of their duties under The Occupational Safety and Health Act Chapter 99: 06, Laws of Guyana

The Ministry, through its Occupational Safety and Health Department, is continuing the process of promoting good workplace safety and health practices. In doing so, employers in both the public and private sectors countrywide are being reminded that Sections 46 and 47 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act places a general duty on all employers “to provide and maintain a safe, sound, healthy and secure working environment as far as is reasonably practicable.”

Further, the Ministry wishes to remind employers of the joint responsibility system for safety and health at work and encourages the establishment or reactivation of the “Joint Workplace Safety and Health Committees in workplaces that employ twenty (20) or more persons. Also, the selection of a “Safety and Health Representative” in workplaces that employ less than twenty persons and more than five.  It is important to note that the foregoing requirement is in keeping with sections 22 and 23 of the said Act.

The Occupational Safety and Health Department has developed guidelines for the establishment of the joint workplace safety and health committee. The Department provides training for members of the committee and will be following up with you to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act Chap: 99:06, Laws of Guyana.

Finally, it should be noted that legal action can be instituted against employers who fail to comply with the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, Chapter 99:06, Laws of Guyana.

Should you require any additional information please call telephone #225-7008 or email us at osh.mosp@gmail.com