NATIONAL POLICY ON OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH 2018 · 2019-04-29 · National Policy on Occupational Safety and Health Government of Guyana 3 FOREWORD The Co-operative Republic

NATIONAL POLICY ON OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH 2018

NATIONAL POLICY ON OCCUPATIONAL

SAFETY AND HEALTH 2018

GOVERNMENT OF GUYANA

The National Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH)

in collaboration with

The Goverment of Guyana, Ministry of Social Protection

and

The National Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH)

in collaboration with

National Policy on Occupational Safety and Health

2018


Government of Guyana 1

CONTENTS FOREWORD 31. PREAMBLE 52. DEFINITION OF TERMS 73. BACKGROUND 94. COMMITMENT 115. AIMS OF THE POLICY 126. POLICY OUTCOMES 137. OBJECTIVES 138. GUIDING PRINCIPLES 149. SCOPE 15 Women 15 Young Persons 16 The Elderly 16 Persons With Disabilities 16 Mentally Ill Workers, Persons Affected by Drug Addictions, Persons Living With HIV/AIDS 1710. ORGANIZATION 1811. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 19 MinistryofSocialProtection 19 NationalAdvisoryCouncilonOccupationalSafety andHealth(NACOSH) 20 MinistryofPublicHealth 20 NationalInsuranceScheme(NIS) 21 ConsultativeAssociationofGuyaneseIndustryLtd.(CAGI) 22 RepresentativeOrganizationofWorkers 23 TheGuyanaTradesUnionCongress(GTUC) 23 TheFederationofIndependentTradeUnionsof Guyana(FITUG) 23 Employers 24 Workers 25 GuyanaNationalBureauofStandards(GNBS) 26 GuyanaFireService(GFS) 26


Ministry of Social Protection2

MinistryofthePresidency,MinistryofNaturalResources andtheAgenciesWhichAdministrativelyFallTherein 27 TheGuyanaGeologyandMinesCommission 27 TheEnvironmentalProtectionAgency 27 GuyanaForestryCommission 27 NationalParksandProtectedAreasCommission 27 TheUniversityofGuyana 28 OtherAgenciesNotSpecificallyMentioned 28 GuyanaCivilAviationAuthority 2912.PUBLICAWARENESS,TRAININGANDEDUCATION 3013. GOVERNANCE OF THE POLICY 31



FOREWORD

The Co-operative Republic ofGuyana has placed a premiumvalue on its Human Capital fromtheprenatalstagetothestagesofretirementandseniorcitizenship.

Towardthatend,theprinciplesandessence of Human Developmentare embraced so that a workplacewhich epitomizes Safety and Healthcan provideworkerswith a goodworking life and a healthy and happyretirement,henceOccupationalSafetyandHealth(OSH)isembracedasafunctionaldiscipline.

Duringthepasttwodecadesanumberofnewinitiatives,beginningwiththeOSHActof1997,wereenactedtopromotetheSafetyandHealthofworkers and their families in a grand scheme of National DevelopmentwhichisnowelevatedtoHumanDevelopment.

TheOSHActof1997waseventually converted toChapter99:06of theLawsofGuyanaandestablishesablueprintforSafety ineveryaspectofemployment.BethatasitmayitwasnotuntilacoupleofyearsagothatwiththeassistanceoflocalandinternationalStakeholdersthatsupportingRegulationsweredevelopedtogiveefficacytotheLaws.

TheRegulationsweretheendproductofwidespreadconsultationwhichenlistedtheviewsoftheTripartiteSocialPartnersaswellasCivilSociety.A similar processwas followed in the generationof this Policywhich isdesigned to transform theworkingenvironment inourRepublic so thateveryworkercanfunctionsafelywithoutfearofexposuretoinjuriesandillness.



It is not uncommon for Social Partners to focus primarily onworkplaceaccidents while ignoring the possibility of work-related diseases andsickness,whichcanbefarmoredetrimentalandevenfataltoworkers.

However,thenewdispensationwhichthisPolicyengendersrequiresthatattentionbepaidtoabsoluteworkplaceSafetyandHealth.OneneedsonlytolookatthecontentsoutlinedtogleamthedynamismwhichthisPolicybringstoourmilieu.

TheMinistryofSocialProtectionwishestoplaceonrecorditsappreciationto the International Labour Organization (ILO) for its support in thisendeavour.

………………………………………Hon.Mr.KeithScott,M.P.MinisterwithintheMinistryofSocialProtectionMinistryofSocialProtectionApril26,2019



1. PREAMBLE

The Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Social Protectionand partner agencies endeavour to improve working conditions andenvironmentgenerally inGuyanabypromotingthe integrationofsafetyandhealthprinciples inworkplacesasan importantprerequisite for thereductionofoccupationalaccidentsanddiseases.

TheMinistryofSocialProtectionrecognizesthatgoodsafetyandhealthpracticesintheworkplacecansavelivesbyreducingoccupationalhazardsandtheirpossibleconsequences.Goodsafetyandhealthpracticesintheworkplacealsohavepositiveeffectsonboththemoraleandproductivityofworkers.

Itisacknowledgedthatwhenworkersareexposedtooccupationalhazardstheirphysicalandmentalhealthmayeventuallybeaffected.Contrarily,intheabsenceofhazards,personstendtobecomeinterestedandinvolvedintheirwork.Satisfactionandenjoymentareincreasedandimprovementsinhealthandwell-beingcanresult.

Today, emphasis is placed on the creation of a preventative safety andhealthcultureatworkthatincludesinformation,consultationandtrainingalongwiththejointresponsibilitysystem,wherebyemployersandworkersmustsharetheresponsibilityfortheirownsafety,healthandproductivityatwork.

The Ministry of Social Protection acknowledges that there remainsan urgent need to train and equip persons to aggressively pursue thecommitments ofmonitoring and enforcing theOccupational Safety andHealth(OSH)Act.

It iswithin this context that theNational Policy onOccupational SafetyandHealth has been revised. This revision has been donewith the fullcollaboration and participation of the social partners and other keystakeholders. The policy seeks to address existing as well as emerging



challenges related to the changes in thework environment. It providesfor the inclusionof persons in the informal sector anda framework foraddressingtheseissuesinacollaborativeandcoordinatedmanner.

Themain task of this policy is not only to eliminate or reduce hazardsandtheincidenceofwork-relatedinjuries,fatalitiesanddiseases;buttopromotethepositivedevelopmentoffactorsintheworkingenvironmentwhichenhancethesocial,mentalandphysicalwell-beingofworkersandthesocietyasawhole.

Therefore,therolesandresponsibilitiesofthekeystakeholdershavebeenclearlyarticulatedtoensureapracticalimplementationofthepolicywithclear direction for its administration. It provides an assurance that thestakeholderswillbeheldaccountablefortheirworkandresponsibilities.

Inaddition,thisNationalOSHPolicysetsoutthetripartitevisionforOSH,andidentifiesagreedprioritiesforaction.ThiscomesagainstthebackdropthatGuyanaisadoptingthesystemsapproachtoOSH.Thissystemsapproachwas advocated in the International Labour Organization (ILO) GlobalStrategy, which is premised on the “Plan-Do-Check-Act” Deming Cycle.

Thestrategyhasfourcoreelementsatthenationallevel.Theseelementsare:

1. Setting an OSH Policy: To provide a framework for action at thenational-leveltoimproveOSHinandaroundtheworkplace.

2. System:Todescribeavailableinfrastructureandresources.3. Profile:TohighlightcurrentandemergingissuesinOSHatthenational

levelthatinformsthedevelopmentofthispolicy.4. Plan of Action: To provide a period over which the policy will be

deemedapplicable.Thisisthree(3)tofive(5)years.Overthisperiod,OSHproblemsaretoidentified,objectivestoaddresstheseproblems,targets and indicators are tobe clearly setout and implementationmechanismsaretobecontinuouslydeveloped.



This systemsapproach iscyclical,with regular reviews thatcapturenewdevelopments and revise priorities for action. Consequently this policywill formthebasis fortheNationalOccupationalSafetyandHealthPlanofActionwhichwillbedevelopedbytheOccupationalSafetyandHealthDepartmentwithintheMinistryofSocialProtectionincollaborationwithrepresentativesoftheothersocialsectors,withemphasisonmeaningfulsocialdialogue,whichwillfostermutualunderstandingamongstakeholders,goodrelations,andpromotesocialjusticeinthestatecommunity.

2. DEFINITION OF TERMS

Accident:Referstoanyunplannedeventthatmayresultinillness,injury,deathanddamagetopropertyortheenvironment.

Accident Investigation:Refers to theprocessof systematicallygatheringandanalyzinginformationaboutanaccident.Thisisdoneforthepurposeofidentifyingcausesandmakingrecommendationstopreventtheaccidentfromrecurring.

Biohazard: Referstoanyorganism(biologicalmaterialororganicmatter)orproductoforganismsthatpresentarisktohumanhealth.

Employee: Refers to a person who has entered into or works under acontract of employment to do any skilled, unskilled,manual, clerical orotherworkforhireorreward,whetherthecontractisexpressedorimplied,oralorinwritingorpartlyoralandpartlywritten.

Ergonomics:Referstothescienceofdesigningtheworkplace,keepinginmindthecapabilitiesandlimitationoftheworker.

Exposure:Referstotheparticularriskfactorexperiencedbyworkers,withspecificmodifyingfactorsofintensity,frequencyandduration.

Green Economy: Refers to an economic environment that results inimprovedhumanwell-beingandsocialequity,whilesignificantlyreducing



environmental risks and ecological scarcities. It is low carbon, resourceefficient,andsociallyinclusiveasper(UNEP,2011).

Green Jobs: Refers to work in agriculture, manufacturing, researchand development, administrative and service activities that contributesubstantiallytopreservingorrestoringenvironmentalquality.Specifically,jobs that protect ecosystemsandbiodiversity, reduceenergy andwaterconsumptionthroughhighefficiencystrategies,de-carbonizetheeconomyandminimize or altogether avoid generation of all forms of waste andpollution(UNEP,GreenJobs:TowardsDecentWorkinaSustainable,LowCarbonWorld,2008).

Hazard:Referstothepotentialtocauseharmoranunwantedoutcome.Forexample,asbestosisahazardwhichcanresult inmesotheliomaandworkingatheightsishazardousandmayresultinphysicaltraumafromafall.

Incident:Referstoanyeventwithknowncausalfactors,whichcouldhaveledtoinjury,illnessordamagetoproperty.

Informal Sector: ReferstoworkerswhoarenotregisteredwithanyStateagencyforthepurposeoftaxation,nationinsuranceorstateassessments.This group may include home-based workers, informal construction ormining sites, small-scale farmers in subsistence agriculture, vendors,wastepickers,atlandfills,grass-cutters,minibusoperators;thatpartofaneconomythatisneithertaxedormonitoredbyanyformofgovernment.

Near Miss:Referstoanyeventwhichhadthepotentialtocauseinjuryand/ordamageand/orlossbutwhichwasavoidedbycircumstances.

Occupational Disease: Referstoanychronicailmentthatoccursasaresultofworkoroccupationalactivitycausedbyapersoncontinuousexposuretounsafeorhazardouswork/environment.

Occupational Health: Refers to a scientific approach in ensuring theprotectionofworkersintheiremploymentfromrisksresultingfromfactors



adversetohealthandincludesthepreventionandcontrolofoccupationalaccidentsanddiseases.

Occupational Safety and Health: Refers to a cross-disciplinary areaconcerned with protecting the safety, health and welfare of peopleengagedinworkoremployment.Thegoalofalloccupationalsafetyandhealthprogramstofosterasafeandhealthyworkenvironment.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Refers to all equipment use byworkers toprotect themselves fromexposure tohazardousmaterialsorconditions.ThebasictypesofPPEincluderespirators,eyeprotection,earprotection,gloves,hardhats,safetyfootwearandlegwearandprotectivesuits.

Risk:Referstothelikelihoodandconsequencesthatexposuretohazardswillresultininjuryordisease.

Risk Assessment: Referstothethoroughlookatprocessesandworkplaces/workingenvironmentstoidentify(thosethings)unsafeconditions,actsoromissions,situations,etc.thatmaycauseharm,particularlytopeople.Italsoincludestheformulationofmitigationplans.

Safe and Healthy Environments: Referstosocialandphysicalsurroundingsorconditionsthatsupportthepreventionofaccidents, injuries, illnessesordiseases.

3. BACKGROUND

The ILO’s Occupational Safety and Health Convention number 155providesthat“EachMembershall,inthelightofnationalconditionsandpracticeandinconsultationwiththemostrepresentativeorganizationsofemployersandworkers, formulate, implementandperiodically reviewacoherentnationalpolicyonoccupationalsafety,occupationalhealthandtheworkingenvironment.”



The journey towards achieving this ideal began some twenty-three (23)yearsagowhenthefirstNationalPolicyforOSHwasdraftedinSeptember1993,aftertheestablishmentofaMinisterialadvisorytripartitecommitteemadeupoftheLabourmovementandemployers’organizationswithinthethenMinistryofLabour,HumanServicesandSocialSecurity.ThetripartitecommitteewastaskedwithadvisingtheMinisteronLabourpolicy.

WithinthatcontextaNationalAdvisoryCouncilonOccupationalSafetyandHealth(NACOSH)wasalsoorganizedcomprisingtheMinistriesofHealthandAgriculture,GuyanaFireService,NationalInsuranceScheme,GuyanaNationalBureauofStandards,UniversityofGuyana,GuyanaAssociationof Professional Engineers, the Labour Movement and the ConsultativeAssociationofGuyanese IndustryLimited.TheNationalAdvisorycouncilwastaskedwithadvisingtheMinisteronOccupationalSafetyandHealthPolicy.

NACOSHincollaborationwiththeDepartmentofLabourwithinthethenMinistryofLabour,HumanServicesandSocialSecurityproducedthefirstpolicy paper. That policy received Parliamentary sanction in November1993.TheseconddraftwasrevisedinMarch1996.

Now 22 years later the Government of the Cooperative Republic ofGuyana,throughtheMinistryofSocialProtection,hasupdatedthispolicydocument in keeping with current developments and emerging trendsbothlocallyandglobally.

Thisrevisedpolicywilltakeacriticallookattheworkingconditionsinhigh-riskareassuchastheminingsectorwhichhasrecentlyseenanincreaseinmortalityandmorbidityrates.Thepolicywillalsorevisittheeffectivenessofpoliciesrelatingtotheprotectionofvulnerablegroupsbyage,gender,sexualorientation, and those that aredifferently abled, e.g. in termsofmaking workplaces more physically accessible and non-discriminatory,including the prevention of discrimination in hiring and promotingemployeesandthepaymentofwagesduetotheirdisposition.

The thrust of the Government of Guyana towards a Green Economy,



attracting new investments, expanded eco-tourism, green jobs, agro-processing,andthedecentworkagenda,aswellastheemergingoilandgassectors,andincorporationoftheinformalsector,posenewchallengesinoccupationalsafetyandhealthinGuyana.

It is against the backdrop of these socio-economic and historicalunderpinningsthatthe1996OSHpolicyonOccupationalSafetyandHealthishereinrevisedandmodifiedtoaddresscurrentandfuturechallenges.

4. COMMITMENT

TheMinistry of Social Protection recognizes that workers are themostvaluable asset in any place of employment and that safety and healthshould be a fundamental guarantee of every worker. The Ministrythereforestandscommittedtoprotectingthesafety,healthandwelfareofallemployeesfromoccupationalorworkrelatedhazardsandexposures,byequippingandexpandingthecapacityoftheOSHdepartment.

Further,theMinistryacknowledgestheimportanceofoccupationalsafetyand health to the economic viability of Guyana and the need for theintegrationofgoodworkplacesafetyandhealthprinciplesandpracticesintheworkplace.Suchintegrationwillultimatelyrealizeimprovedwellbeingandproductivityofworkers.

TheMinistry recognizes that collaborationwith the social partners andotherkeystakeholdersiscriticaltothesuccessfulimplementationofthispolicy.TheGovernmentofGuyanahasthereforeadoptedthispositiononthebasisofthefollowingprinciples:

1. Allworkers, intheformalandinformalsectors,havearighttoworkundersafeandhealthyconditionsbytheapplicationofOccupationalSafetyandHealthprinciples.

2. Occupational Safety and Health is multi-disciplinary in its practicethereforecollaborationisessentialattheworkplace,national,regional,andinternationallevels.



3. Vulnerable workers (by age, sex/gender, race/ethnicity and generalhealth status) are to be protected from the peculiar stresses andhazardsoftheworkenvironment.

4. Work, working machinery and tools should be adapted to humanphysiological andpsychological capacities, and limitations,basedontheprinciplesofergonomics,summary,theadaptationofworktomanandofeachmantohisjob.

5. National expertise of professionals in various fields ofOccupationalSafety and Health shall be developed by continuous training andspecializededucation.

6. An Occupational Safety and Health culture will be of paramountconsiderationinthepromotionofalternativesourcesofenergy,solar,wind and hydro-electricity, oil and gas, energy saving technologies,InformationandCommunicationTechnology(ICT)andthecreationofgreenjobs,towardsagoodlifeinagreeneconomy.

7. Continuous vocational training and education of safety and healthprofessionalsattheundergraduate,graduate/post-graduateandevendoctorallevelisfundamentalinrealizingthedevelopmentofcompetentpersonnel, leading to an award of either a Certificate, Diploma orDegreeinSafetyandHealth.SuchtrainingmaybeundertakenbytheUniversityofGuyana,CritchlowLabourCollegeand/orotherexternallearninginstitutionsasmayberequired.

5. AIMS OF THE POLICY

Topromoteandimprovethequalityoflifeofworkersbypreventingsocialand economic losses, work-related accidents and injury to health byeliminatinghazards,reducingthenumberofaccidents,andinjuries,andmilitatingagainststressesandincidenceofoccupationaldiseases.

The policy seeks to create safer and healthier working environmentsthroughthedevelopmentofapositivenationalcultureofpreventionofoccupationalaccidents,diseasesanddangerousoccurrences.

Additionally, it provides policy orientations for the Ministry of SocialProtectiontomodernizeitspoliciesandprocedures.



6. POLICY OUTCOMES

Theoutcomesofthepolicyarethefollowing:

1. IncreaseproductivityinworkplacesinGuyanaasaresultofastructuredapproachtoOSHManagement.

2. Decreaseaccidents,incidents,disabilitiesanddiseasesrelatedtoOSHandabsenteeismresultingfromOSHissues.

3. Improved employee morale resulting from an improved workingenvironmentandsafesystemsofwork.

4. IncreasedlevelofcompliancewiththeOSHActandallotherrelevantlegislationandcodesofpractice.

5. Encourageworkplacehealthandsafetyculture.6. ImprovecapacitytodealwithOSHissuesarisingfromtheemergingoil

andgassector.7. Workwithsecondaryschools,tertiaryinstitutionsandotheragencies

indevelopingcurriculumtointegrateOSHintotheirprogrammes.Thisincludes OSH in traditional agriculture sectors which also includeschemicalmanagement.

7. OBJECTIVES

Theobjectivesofthepolicyarethefollowing:

1. Strengthen competitive advantage and productivity, and increaseeconomic efficiency through information and meaningful socialdialogue, tripartite consultation at the national level, and bipartiteconsultationattheenterpriselevel.

2. Improvedatacollectionsystems foreffectiveanalysis, interventions,planningandbudgetingandforinformeddecisionmakinginOSH.

3. Enhance the status of safety and health officers by continuoustraining,certificationandaccreditationunderappropriate legislativeframeworks.

4. Developand reinforcespecializationsandstandards inOccupationalSafety and Health in keeping with international norms and bestpractices and build capacity in areas of research to efficiently andeffectivelycontrolemergingareasofrisk.



5. Enforce compliance with occupational safety and health legislationandregulationsbyprovidingtechnicalsupporttoemployers,workersandorganizationsthatrepresentthemthroughongoingcollaborationandpartnerships.

6. Specific measures shall be taken concerning physical, chemical,biological,ergonomicandpsychosocialhazardsattheworkplace.

7. Boost the internal responsibility system for workplace safety andhealthbytheestablishmentofthejointsafetyandhealthcommitteesinworkplaces.

8. Coordinatewith local community leaders to promote the functionsand objectives of the policy in order to enhance safety and healthawareness.

8. GUIDING PRINCIPLES

The Policy is guided by principles that exist in the National Laws,Conventions of the International LabourOrganization, codes of practiceandguidelinesinOccupationalSafetyandHealth,andthePanAmericanHealth Organization /World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and ILOActionPlans.

1. Protecting workers’ right to sustained safe and healthy workingconditionsandenvironment,withtheemphasisonpreventionratherthancurativemeasures,rehabilitationandcompensation.

2. Identifying and assessing occupational risks and hazards, andcontrollingthematsource.

3. Developing a national preventative safety and health culture thatincludesinformation,consultation,researchandtraining.

4. Collaboration at all levels through Tripartite and or/ multipartiteconsultations. Social Partners and other relevant stakeholdersmustbe consulted during formulation, implementation and review of allpolicies,systemsandprogrammesatalllevels.

5. Regulatoryand implementingagencies, social partnersand relevantstakeholders will Collaborate, coordinate and actively participate inOSHinitiatives,toeffectivelyintegrateinterventions.



6. Continuousimprovementofstandardsandpracticebyevaluationandcontinuedtraining.

7. Economic activity has the potential to damage the environment.Focusing onways of Greening the economy implies thatworkplaceoperations will be managed sustainably, so as to protect theenvironment,workersandpublichealth.

8. Thispolicywillbeapplied inallworkplacesanduniformlyenforced.Comprehensive consideration of gender issues at all levels willpromote equity and equality between men and women so thatmainstreaminggenderbecomesacommonpracticeinallOSHpoliciesandprogrammes.

9. SCOPE

ThisNationalPolicyonSafetyandHealthisapplicabletoallcategoriesofworkers andworkplaces in all sectors and spheresof economic activity,inthefield,factory,andoffice,privateandpublicagencies,includingtheinformal sector, and local and foreign investors. It is a guideline whichexpressestheaimsandintentionsofthegovernmentanditdescribeshowtoimproveoccupationalsafetyandhealthinGuyana.

Physicalconstraints,agelimitationsandcapabilities,andotherpeculiaritiesareconsiderationsthatdictatehowwemanagetheworkenvironmenttomakeitsafeandhealthyforspecificcategoriesofworkers.Thepolicywilltakeintoaccountvulnerablepersons:

Women1. Measures should be taken to ensure the identification of hazards,

riskassessment,theeliminationandorthemitigationofthoserisksassessmentofanyworkplacerisksrelatedtothesafetyandhealthofpregnantandnursingwomen,andwomen’sreproductivehealth.

2. Pregnantwomenshouldnotbemadetoworkextendedhoursorbemadetodoheavyliftingintheworkplace.Oranyothertaskthatmaybeconsideredhazardoustothehealthofthemotherandherunbornchildgivenherpeculiarhealthstatus.



3. Clearpoliciestoprotectwomenagainstsexualharassment,bullying,intimidationandviolenceshouldbearticulatedanddisseminatedtoallworkersandtheunions.

Young PersonsInthispolicytheMinistryofSocialProtectionseeksto: 1. Provide for the young who are employed, safe and healthy work

environmentswhere theyarenot subject toworkwhichmaycauseactualphysical,mentalandpsychologicalharm.

2. Limit exposureof youngpeople to radioactivematerials, chemicals,such as pesticides, glues, fumes, gases and dust particles at theirplacesofwork.

3. Provide counseling, career guidance and mentorship services foryouthsattheworkplace.

The ElderlyWithin human resource development, it is necessary to implementmeasures towards increasing the working life of persons in higher agecategories.

1. Throughpreventivehealthprotectionofemployeesthroughouttheirproductivelife,e.g.annualmedicalscheck-ups,eye,dentalandhearingchecks,companyhealthinsurance.

2. Through the implementation of important ergonomic principleswhendesigningworkplaces,inorganizationofwork,andinadaptingworkplacestotheindividualneedsofolderemployees.

3. Wherelimitationsexist,theelderlyshouldbeassignedjobsaccordingtotheircapabilitiesandworkplacesshouldbemadeeasilyaccessibletotheelderly.

Persons With DisabilitiesTheultimateaimofpersonswithdisabilitiesisindependentliving,howeverthisachievementisonlypossiblewithincreaseinterventionfromCentralGovernment.Inthisregard,theMinistryofSocialProtectionshall:



1. Promotetherightofpersonswithdisabilitytoequallyaccessworkandtobeengagedinsafeworkingenvironments.

2. Ensureadequateprotectionofpersonswithdisabilitiesfromrisksandhazardsintheworkingenvironment,

3. Promotereducingexposurestodangerouschemicals,machineryandequipment,asWellasenvironmentalpollutionandotherrisksatwork,byadequatelytrainingthedisabled,andenforcingtheprovisionanduseofpersonalprotectiveclothingandequipment.

4. Adapt thework environment to suit personswith disability, havingregardtotheiraptitudeandcapabilities.

Mentally Ill Workers, Persons Affected by Drug Addictions, Persons Living With HIV/AIDSMentalillnesses,drugaddictionsandHIV/AIDSstatusofworkersmaynotbeeasilyrecognizable,andshouldideallybeconfidential.Fearofexposuremaycausethosesufferingtodosoinsilenceforfearoflosingtheirjobs.Acultureofopenness,confidentialityandcaringshouldbenurturedintheworkingenvironmentsothatpersonswiththeseillnessescouldobtainthehelp they need to operate at theirmaximumproductive levels and notposeathreattothemselves,theirco-workersortheirfamilies.

Itisthereforeimperativethatthefollowingmeasuresbeadopted:

1. Workers and supervisors should be educated about the signs andsymptomsofmentalhealthillnesses,drugaddictionsandHIV/AIDS.

2. Alistofavailableservicesinthesocietycanbepostedonthenoticeboardorotherconspicuousplace.

3. At least one trained counselor should be available either internallyorexternally,toassessandcounselthoseaffectedbyanyoneoftheaboveconditions.

4. Allstaffshouldbesensitive,patientandcompassionatetoco-workerssufferinginordertorenderassistancewhenneeded.



10. ORGANIZATION

TheMinistryofSocialProtection,throughitsLabourOccupationalSafetyand Health Department, is the regulatory authority responsible for theguiding, directing and coordinating the implementation of this policy.Inorder to expedite this policy, theMinistrywill collaboratewithothersectorsinvolvedinthisareaofactivity.

The following organizations/agencieswill have clearly defined roles andresponsibilitiesandwillworktogetherwithallotheragenciesinvolvedinOSHfortheimprovementofworkingconditionsandtheenvironmentinGuyana.

1. TheNationalAdvisoryCouncilonOccupationalSafetyandHealth2. TheMinistryofPublicHealth3. TheConsultativeAssociationofGuyaneseIndustriesLimited4. TheRepresentativeOrganizationsofWorkers5. TheGuyanaTradesUnionCongress6. TheFederationofIndependentTradeUnions7. TheNationalInsuranceScheme8. GuyanaNationalBureauofStandards9. TheGuyanaFireService10. BureauofStatistics11. TheUniversityofGuyana12. MinistryofNaturalResources13. TheGuyanaGeologyandMinesCommission14. TheEnvironmentalProtectionAgency15. GuyanaForestryCommission16. NationalParksCommission17. GuyanaCivilAviationAuthority18. MaritimeAdministrationDepartmentMARAD19. Local Government Organs - Mayor and City Councils and the

Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (Responsibilities for WasteManagement)

20. CritchlowLabourCollege



11. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Ministry of Social ProtectionTheGovernmentprovidesadvisory,supervisory,regulatoryandinformationservicestoassistemployers,workersandtradeunionsinimprovingworkingconditionsandtheenvironment,consistentwiththepolicy.Consequently,theMinistrywilldothefollowing:

1. Conceptualizeandformulatepoliciesforvarioussectorsofeconomicactivity, e.g. agriculture, mining, forestry, etc., in accordance withCentralGovernment’smandateofagreeneconomyand thedecentwork agenda, and periodically update them as new challenges anddevelopmentsarise.

2. Incollaborationwiththestakeholders,developacomprehensiveandreliablesystemforreporting,collecting,recording,analyzing,storage,retrievalanddisseminationofinformationinoccupationalsafetyandhealth.

3. Provideguidelinesinidentifyingrecognizing,preventingandcontrollinghazardsatwork,andfacilitatecollaborationamongkeystakeholders.

4. Develop, implement and evaluate safety and health programmes,plansandprojects.

5. Conduct workplace inspections, accident investigations andcomplaints,andpromotethetrainingofworkersinworkplacesafetyandhealthpractices,andgreentechnologies.

6. Increase the capacity and awareness of the various agencies andorganizations inoccupationalsafetyandhealth, toeffectivelyassessrisksandhazardsinworkingenvironments.

7. Conduct routine risk assessments to identify hazards and potentialhazardsandtheopportunitiestomitigatesuchhazardsinkeepingwithalllawsandregulations,includingISO18001:2015oranyothersuchfuturestandard.

8. ReviewOSH legislationperiodically,promote legislative reformsanddevelopcodesofPracticeinconsultationwiththesocialpartners.

9. Recommendspecificmeasuresforthepreventionoffatalities/disastersinhighriskareaswherethereishighincidenceofoccupationalinjuriesandillnessestoworkers.



10. Collaboratewithlocalandinternationalinstitutionsforthepurposeofsharinginformationonoccupationalsafetyandhealth.

National Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH)NACOSH is an Advisory Body to theMinisters of theMinistry of SocialProtection.InthisregardNACOSHwilldothefollowing:

1. Advise and make recommendations to the Minister of SocialProtectiononmattersrelatingtooccupationalsafetyandhealthpolicy,procedures,plansandprogrammes.

2. EncouragetripartiteandbipartitenegotiationsfromStatetoworkplacelevel,bystrengtheningstakeholdercollaborationsforthedevelopmentandimplementationofoccupationalsafetyandhealthsystems.

3. Advocate for implementation of legal Actswhich promoteworkers’rights.

4. Promote inter-sectoral collaborationwithkey stakeholders includingtheprivatesector,(PanAmericanHealthOrganization)PAHOandthe(InternationalLabourOrganization)ILOintheimplementationoftheNationalPolicyonOSH.

5. Developpublicawarenessandeducationalprogrammesinoccupationalsafetyandhealthandthegreeneconomy.

6. Create a system of awards for best performing companies andindividuals,aswellassanctionsforpoorperformance.

7. Balanceeconomicandsocialgoalsbyseekingasystemoftaxwaiveror exemption on equipment used for ensuring safety and healthconditionswillbeenhanced.

8. Facilitate a review of the Policy at least every five years or as isnecessary.

9. Undertaketodoageneralsurveyoftheworkingenvironment.

Ministry of Public HealthTheMinistryofPublicHealthwillserveontheNationalAdvisoryCouncilfor Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH) and provide technicalsupporttotheOccupationalSafetyandHealthDepartmentinfulfillmentofitsmandate.Inaddition,theMinistryofPublicHealthwilldothefollowing:



1. In coordinationwith theMinistry of Social Protection and RegionalHealthAuthorities,developprogrammestovisitandsurveyworkplaces,andworkers’health, inall sectors, todetermine theirhealthstatus,anddetectrisksofdiseasesinordertoarresttheconditionsatanearlystage,enablingrecoveryandpreventingdisability.

2. Health education and health promotion at work, to improve theirgeneral health, by the practice of good personal hygiene, routinephysicalexercise,healthyeating,goodenvironmentalhealthpractices,eatingabalanceddiet andgettingadequate sleep, the cessationofsmoking,excessivealcoholconsumption,drugabuseavoidance,safesocialbehaviours/practices,stressmanagement,anger,violenceandavoidanceofotherbehaviourswhicharedetrimentaltolife.

3. Deliver primary occupational health care in workplaces, providespecific medicals for pre-employment, pre-placement, along withand periodical medical examinations for workers, including eyeexamination, dental care, ear, nose and throat, and treatment forchronicandcommunicablediseases.

4. Providerehabilitationservicesforworkersafterdisablingoccupationalillnesses/injuries,andcounselonalternativejobplacements.

5. Worktowardsstrengtheningtheexistinglaboratoryfacilitiestoprovidespecialtestsforworkersexposedtotoxicsubstancesforexamplelead,pesticides,andmercury.

6. Provide statistical data on causes of death, epidemic and endemicdiseasesandoccupationaldiseases.

7. Employoccupationalhealthphysicianswhowillestablishservices inrelation to occupational medicine, industrial hygiene, occupationaltherapy,ergonomicsandpsychology(toeffectivelydealwithmentalillnessandaddictions)andimprovethecapabilityfordiagnosisoftheaforementionedoccupationaldiseases.

8. ProvidemedicalcaregenerallyandvaccinationinaccordancewiththeMinistry’sProtocol.

National Insurance Scheme (NIS)The NIS shall play amore active role in preventative and rehabilitativemeasuresinrelationtoworkers’healthbythefollowing:



1. Administeremployment injurybenefits inaccordancewithstatutoryrequirements.

2. TheNISInspectorswillinformtheregulatoryauthorityofanyunsafeorunhealthyworkingconditionstheymayobserveonroutinevisitstoworkplaces.

3. Share with the regulatory authority monthly reports on industrialinjuriesandprescribeddiseases.

4. CollaborateinfundingpublicawarenessandeducationalprogrammesandOSHactivities.

5. Conduct seminars and lectures, in collaborationwith the regulatoryauthority,tosensitizeworkersonsickness,injuryanddeathbenefits.

6. Provide rehabilitation services which are designed to prepareincapacitated and disabled persons for resumption of work, oralternativeemployment,havingregardfortheiraptitudeandcapacity.

7. EstablishandmaintainacommunicationchannelwiththeMinistriesofSocialProtectionandPublicHealth.

8. Collaboratewithallstakeholderstoreducethenumberofemploymentinjuries and illnesses through awareness programmes and researchactivities.

Consultative Association of Guyanese Industry Ltd. (CAGI)CAGIwillinstitutemeasurestoassistemployersandtheirrepresentativesinthedevelopmentofOSHpolicydocuments,anddevelopprogrammesattheleveloftheworkplacetoimplementsame.CAGIwilldothefollowing:

1. Promote the integration of OSH into management systems, byadvocating for compliance with specific provisions of the OSH Actwhichsetsoutrolesandresponsibilitiesforemployers.

2. Promote the integration of OSH into management systems, at theworkplace, by making businesses worker friendly, business friendlyandenvironmentfriendly.

3. Evaluatetheefficacyofthemeasuresadoptedandapplyappropriateimprovementmeasures.



4. Advocatefortheuseofappropriatetechnology,modernequipment,currenttechnology,andmodernizedsystems;whiletakingintoaccountthevaryingimpactsthesemayhaveontheenvironment.

5. Promoteandsupporttheestablishmentofjointworkplacesafetyandhealthcommitteesasisrequiredbysections22to23(inclusive)oftheOSHAct,attheleveloftheworkplaceandinter-agencycommunicationandcollaboration.

6. EstablishandmaintainanOSHinformationandresearchresourcese.g.awebsiteand/orotherfacilitiesformembers.

7. Collaborate with the Ministry of Social Protection and otherorganizationsonallaspectsoftheNationalOSHpolicyandprogrammes.

8. Give technical support to its membership in drafting policies andprogrammesforcontinuousimprovementintheworkplace.

Representative Organization of Workers.The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC).The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG).GTUC and FITUG will defend workers’ interests, especially in small tomediumscaleenterprises,bytripartiteandbipartitecollaborationatthenational,localandenterpriselevels.

Theunionswillthereforeundertakethefollowing:

1. Initiate action to ensure the involvement of all trade unions in theformulationofOSHpoliciesandprogrammesattheirlevelsaswellasattheleveloftheworkplace.

2. Expandmembers’knowledgeandunderstandingoflabourprotectionand employment matters, and train representatives in negotiatingskills.

3. Advocateandencouragetheactiveparticipationofworkersandunionsin the jointworkplacesafetyandhealthcommittees,orasworkers’representatives.

4. DrawtotheattentionoftheMinistryofSocialProtection,DepartmentofLabour,complaintsanddeficienciesobservedinworkplaces.

5. EnsurethattheirworkersunderstandandcomplieswiththeprovisionsoftheOSHpolicyoftheirrespectiveorganizations.



6. MaintainaninformationCentreorlibraryfacilitiesfortheuseoftheirmembership.

7. Organizeeducationalandtrainingprogrammesinsafetyandhealthatwork.

8. PromotetheinclusionofimprovementclausesincollectivebargainingagreementsinrelationtoOSH.

9. ActivelyparticipateintripartitenegotiationsinOSHissuesarrangedbytheMinistryofSocialProtection.

EmployersThelegalresponsibilityforsafeandhealthyworkingconditionsrestswiththeemployer.Theimplementationoffavourableworkingconditions,andadaptingworktotheneedsofemployees,ultimatelyhasaninfluenceonworkermotivation, and dedication to producework of a high standardof efficiency and quality; and prevents diseases, disability and earlyretirementcausedbyadverseconditionsatwork.Employersarerequiredtodothefollowing:

1. Have a written policy on safety and health at work, and a plan toimplementthepolicy.

2. Implement risk assessment andmitigation practices to identify thehazards,whomightbeharmedandhow,evaluatetherisk(identifyanddecideon the safety andhealth risk control), implementmeasures,andmonitorandreviewtheriskassessment.

3. Ensure responsibilities for safety and health are detailed in jobdescriptions,andinperformancereviews.

4. Make provisions for pre-employment and periodic medicalexaminationsforemployeeswhenrequiredbytheregulatoryauthority.

5. Ensure that employees are appropriately trained in the proceduresand precautions that ought to be taken to prevent occupationalinjuries and illnesses, emphasizing compliance with standards, andconformancewithdepartmentalpoliciesandbestpractices.

6. Maintainacultureofworkplacesafetyandhealthatwork,includingpersonal accountabilitybydevelopingand implementing systems toencourageemployeestoadoptthispolicyintopracticeandreportany



safetyandhealth concerns tomanagement, in addition toensuringthatjointworkplacesafetyandhealthcommitteesareestablished.

7. Ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, thatworkplace violence,bullying,sexualharassmentandotherformsofdiscriminationbasedongenderandsexualorientationareeliminated.

8. IntegrateOSHprinciplesintheoverallplanninganddecisionmakingprocessofthecompany.

9. Traininternalemergencystaffwhoarecapableofadministeringfirstaid,andcapableoffightingsimplefires,knowhowtoevacuatepeoplefromthebuildingquicklyandsafely.

10. ComplywiththerequirementsoftheOccupationalSafetyandHealthActandsupportingregulationsmadetherein.

WorkersGoodworkingconditionscanonlybeachievedwhenemployersandtheirworkerscollaborate.

While the employer is ultimately responsible for working conditionspolicy, consultation with the workers is compulsory. Workers have theresponsibilitytocomplywith,andobserveallsafetyandhealthrulesintheworkplace.Theyhaverightsaswellasresponsibilitiesintheworkplaceasfollows:

1. Therighttorefuseunsafework.2. Toparticipateintheworkplacehealthandsafetyactivitiesthroughthe

jointsafetyandhealthcommittees,orasaworkers’representative.3. Beprovidedwithadequateinformationonsafetyandhealthatwork

andencouragedtosharetheirviewsandideaswithrespecttocontroland/orpreventivemeasures.

4. Beinformedof inherentdangers inworkprocessesandbeprovidedwithadequatepersonalprotectionand/orequipmentwhenrequired.

5. Benefit from pre-employment and periodicmedical examination asprescribedbytheregulatoryauthority.

6. Participateininspectionsandaccidentinvestigationsandbeinformedof observations and recommendations made by the regulatoryauthority.



7. Be familiar with applicable policies, procedures and programmesrelatedtotheirworkplace,especiallygreentechnology,energysaving,andconservation.

8. Developandpracticegoodhabitsofpersonalhygieneandhousekeepingandusepersonal protective clothing andequipment as requiredbythejob.

9. Reportanythreats,risksorhazardsintheworkplaceandintheeventof an incident or accident report immediately to the supervisor orpolice,asnecessary.

10. Requestandbesuppliedwithinformationpertainingtotheconditionsunderwhichtheywork.

Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS)1. TheGNBSwill prepare,modifyandamend specifications, standards

andcodesofpracticerelatedtoOSH.2. Establishmentofgeneral standardswhichcanplaya significant role

inachievinggoodworkingconditions,asemployersvoluntarilyacceptthesestandards.

3. Adopt international and regional standards, e.g. ISO standards, andbestpracticesinOSHfordisseminationtoallstakeholdersandsocialpartners.

4. Monitor the quality of all types of safety equipment and PersonalProtective Equipment (PPE) imported and locally manufactured toensurecompliancewithlocalnationalstandards.

5. Collaborate and conduct training with agencies in educationprogrammesandpublicawarenessinOSH.

Guyana Fire Service (GFS)The Guyana Fire Service shall place Greater Emphasis on enforcing thelegislationthatgovernitsoperationswiththeultimateaimofpreventinglossoflife,limbandproperty,andensuringthepreventionofinjuriesanddeathandthelossofEconomicResources.Theserviceswillinclude:

1. Establishing written Fire Prevention and Protection Policies andProgrammes that isorganic toevery individualworkplace toensurethesafetyofallworkers.



2. Conducting annual Fire Safety Inspections for the issuance of Firesafety Certificates to Companies, Organizations and Establishments.Thismustbeaprerequisiteforinsuranceofwhichaprocessingfeewillbeattached.

3. EnsuringthatadequateFireProtectionisprovidedforallEstablishments.4. ProvidingFireSafety&LifeSavingTrainingtoCompanies,Organizations

andEstablishments.5. Establishing a robust and proactive ‘Fire Safety/Prevention’ Public

EducationStrategy.6. Networkandpartnerwithkeystakeholdersandagenciestoensure

thesuccessofitsmandate.

Ministry of the Presidency, Ministry of Natural Resources and the Agencies Which Administratively Fall Therein:• TheGuyanaGeologyandMinesCommission• TheEnvironmentalProtectionAgency• GuyanaForestryCommission• NationalParksandProtectedAreasCommission

The mining, agriculture and forestry sectors are high risk sectors forfatalities.There isalsoahigh incidenceofmalaria in the interior.Otherhealth conditions affecting many workers and officers of these varioussectorsincludekidney,urinaryandrespiratorydiseasesasaresultofhumidand dusty environments, and musculoskeletal disorders from carryingexcessiveloads.

Manyartisanalminersdeveloprheumatismandvaricoseveinsasaresultofcoldandwetworkingenvironments.Duetodustandairpollutioneyeinfectionsarealsoprevalent.InthisregardtheMinistrieswillberesponsiblefor:

1. Creatingclearpoliciesforthemining,agricultural,forestryandnationalparkssectors.

2. Conducting, in collaborationwithMinistry of Social Protection, riskassessmentsandhazardanalyses,withguidelines for the reduction,



eliminationandcontrol,atthesource,oftheaccidents,diseasesandlossoflives,andforcontinuousimprovements.

3. Aneffectivedatacollectionandreportingsystemforallmining,forestryandagriculturalactivities,accidentsandillnesses.

4. Acomprehensiveregisterofallworkersintheminingsectorincludingtheinformalsector(smallandunregulatedminingactivities)

5. CollaborationwiththeMinistryofSocialProtection,NaturalResources,theUnionsandallstakeholdersinvolvedwiththesesectors.

6. Developing policies in the oil and gas sector crafted to preventenvironmental pollution due to oil spills and air pollution, and thesubsequent damage to productive lands, crops and livestock. Airpollutioncanleadtorespiratorydiseasesaffectingbothworkersandthecommunity.

The University of GuyanaThe University of Guyana, with its mandate as the nation’s premierinstitutionoflearningwillfostertheimplementationofthispolicyby:

1. Providing research and Investigation in the fields related toOccupationalSafetyandHealth.

2. Establishment of a Department specific to Occupational Safety andHealthwithinInstituteofDistanceandContinuingEducation.

3. ImproveOccupationalSafetyandHealthSkillsandHumanResourcesCapacitythroughformalprogrammes.

4. Improve Research Capacity of Occupational Safety and HealthPractitioners.

5. ParticipateinOccupationalSafetyandHealthCommissionedResearch.6. Offer Specially Designed Programmes to address: Issues of Mental

Health,IssuesrelatedtoAddiction.

Other Agencies Not Specifically MentionedNotwithstanding the specific mandates of the Ministries and Agenciesabove, the following Agencies shall, as far as is reasonably practicable,aggressivelytakestepstoincorporateandimplementthisPolicy:



1. GuyanaCivilAviationAuthority2. MaritimeAdministrationDepartmentMARAD3. MayorandCityCouncilandtheNeighbourhoodDemocraticCouncils

(ResponsibilitiesforWasteManagement)4. CritchlowLabourCollege

Guyana Civil Aviation AuthorityTheGuyanaCivilAviationAuthority,hereinreferredtoastheAuthority,istheStateAgencyresponsiblefortheregulatoryoversightofcivilaviationsafety and security in Guyana. Consequently, it regulates all aviationsafetyrelatedmatters, includingaccidentsandincidents;andsecuritytosafeguardcivilaviationagainstactsofunlawfulinterference.InthisregardtheAuthoritywilldothefollowing.

1. Increaseitsstaffefficiencyandeffectivenessbyproviding/facilitatingtrainingprogrammesatboththenationalandinternationallevels.

2. Develop a State Safety Programme or policy document as well assafetyrelatedregulationsandmonitortheirimplementation.Thiswillbedoneforthepurposeofensuringthatkeyaviationstakeholders/operatorsestablishordeveloptheirownSafetyManagementSystemorProgrammetoenablethemtoidentifysafetyrelatedthreats,risksandhazards;andtohelpinmitigatingagainsttheseattheirworkplace,ortheirfacilityandestablishment.

3. IntroduceseveralawarenesstraininginitiativesthatwillbetailoredtosensitizetheaviationcommunityonsafetyrequirementspertainingtoSafetyManagementSystems.

4. Hostseveralsafetyrelatedcourse,conferencesandworkshopsforthepurposeofadvocatingandpromotingsafetystandardsandpracticesamongst aviation stakeholders as well as aiding them in achievingcompliance with respect to laws and requirements governing civilaviationoperationsinGuyana.

5. Continue itsannual surveillanceprogrammetoensurestakeholders’compliancewithsafetyandsecurityrequirements;andissuedirectivesandadvisorycircularsasmayberequired.



6. Continue to provide assistance to theGuyanaAircraftAccident andIncident Investigation Unit in conducting investigations into aircraftaccidents and incidents and ensure that all aviation accidents andincidentsarereportedandinvestigatedinkeepingwithnationalandinternationalrequirements.

7. Implement monitoring systems to ensure that operators recordandmaintain all records of workplace accidents, incidents, hazardsidentified;andthemitigatingactionsandtechniquesusedtoeliminateorputinplacetopreventfutureoccurrences,etc.

8. Ensure the reports from past aviation related accidents whoseinvestigations have been successfully completed and granted theappropriate approvals, aremade available in thepublic forum. Thiswill give researchers and safety practitioners the opportunity tostudycaseswhereunsafesituationmayhavecontributedtoadverseoutcomessuchasaircraftaccidentsandincidents.

Otheragencies fromtimetotimemaybe invitedtoconsiderandadoptthispolicy.

12. PUBLIC AWARENESS, TRAINING AND EDUCATION

Training and education in occupational health and safety is one of themost effectivemeans in improvingworking conditions and theworkingenvironment and is part of general human resource development.Appropriate training improves the possibilities of both detecting andanalyzingproblems,andfindingthetechnicalandeconomicmeansmostsuitableforsolvingtheproblems.TheimplementationofthisOSHPolicywillconsiderthefollowing:

1. Specific training and education would target safety and healthspecialists, inspectors, employers, managers, non-management andtradeunionrepresentatives,willbedonebytheregulatoryauthorityand other partners by way of seminars, workshops, lectures anddiscussions.



2. TheGovernmentandpartneragenciesensure that relevant trainingandeducationalopportunitiesaremadeavailabletoallcategoriesofworkersthroughtherelevantcompetentauthorities.

3. Formal training and education of safety and health professionalsleadingtoaCertificate,DiplomaorDegreeinSafetyandHealthwillbedonebytheUniversityofGuyana,TheCritchlowLabourCollegeand/orotherexternallearninginstitutionsasmayberequired.

4. EssentialleveloftrainingandeducationinOSHshouldbeacommonpart of the curricula at secondary schools, universities, institutesofmedicineandothertechnicalandvocationalschools.ThiswillbedoneincollaborationwiththeMinistryofEducation.

5. Persons in the informal sector can transition into the formal sector,throughpublicawarenessprogrammes,socialdialogue,andstrategiceducationalprojects, inconjunctionwithincentives,complianceandenforcementmeasures.

6. Progressive development of procedures for including self-employedpersons in the recording and notification of occupational accidentsanddiseases.

7. Sensitizationofworkers.

13. GOVERNANCE OF THE POLICY

Theformulationofthispolicyfollowedaparticipatoryapproachinwhichsocial partners and other relevant stakeholders provided inputs for itsdevelopment. The policy, while being consistent with other nationalpoliciesandpriorities, seeks topromote the rightofworkers todecent,safeandhealthyworkingconditionsandenvironment.

The OSH Policy will be supported by an OSH Plan of Actionwhich willincludepriorities,objectivesandtargetstoachievetheobjectivesofthispolicy.

Theimplementationofthispolicydemandseffectivecoordinationbetweenthevariousauthoritiesandstakeholders.



The implementation of the goals of thisNational Policy onOSHwill bemonitoredandassessedbyNACOSHcontinuouslyandthefindingsthereofshall formpart ofNACOSH’s annual reportwhich shall be submitted totheGovernmentandlaidbeforeParliamentbeforetheexpirationofeverycalendaryear.Inaddition,thefindingsshallinformNACOSH’syearlyplanofactivities.

ThePolicy shall be revised every five (5) years or as deemednecessarybasedonchangesin:

1. Legislation2. Technology3. InternationalstandardsandConventionsand/or4. Anyotherconditionsthatmaywarrantreview.



Documents

NATIONAL POLICY ON OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH 2018 · 2019-04-29 · National Policy on Occupational Safety and Health Government of Guyana 3 FOREWORD The Co-operative Republic