Standards Bureau underscores need for accreditation
- companies urged to adopt safety practices
DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, June 12, 2018
The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) today hosted a symposium with various stakeholders to raise awareness on the importance of accreditation of services and the implementation of occupational health and safety standards in organisations.
The forum was held at the National Library Conference Room to observe World Accreditation Day 2018.
During the opening remarks, Director of GNBS, Candelle Walcott-Bostwick said emphasis must be placed on the accreditation of services and occupational health and safety standards in the workplace, “since it plays a pivotal role in the development of Guyana.”
Referring to an International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) brochure, the director noted millions of persons have suffered from work related incidents, air pollutions and other occupational accidents due to the poor health and safety practices by companies.
Walcott-Bostwick encouraged businesses and government agencies to heed the Occupational Health and Safety Act, “Some businesses may feel that they face a challenge in balancing health and safety with operational needs, while others may feel pressured inter-focusing on profitability. But providing a safety environment should not be seen as a regulatory burden.”
She cautioned, “Do not wait on strong penalties and fines to wait to put necessary systems in place for safe workplaces.”
Over the years, GNBS has highlighted the importance of having accredited conformity assessment bodies, locally.
World Accreditation Day 2018 was observed on June 9 globally, under the theme “Delivering a Safer World.”
By: Crystal Stoll.
Image: Jules Gibson.