Guyana: Labour Ministry wishes on Occupation Safety and Health Month and Day

Georgetown, Guyana: The Ministry of Labour of Guyana wished the employers, workers and trade unions on the occasion of Occupation Safety and Health Month and Day – April 2023. Guyana will once again commemorate Occupational Safety and Health Month in April 2023, with Occupational Safety and Health Day on April 28, 2023. The theme for the month’s observance is ‘A safe and healthy working environment is a fundamental concept and right at work,’ as per the update by the Ministry.

It further claimed that this is consistent with the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) suggested topic for World Day for Workplace Safety and Health 2023. All Member States, even if they have not ratified the relevant Conventions, have an obligation, arising from their membership in the Organization, to respect, promote, and realise, in good faith as well as in accordance with the Constitution, the principles regarding the fundamental rights that are the subject of those Conventions.

Ministry informed that consequently, to commemorate the occasion, the Ministry of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health Department is inviting and encouraging employers’ and workers’ organisations, key stakeholders, and employers to develop and implement programmes aimed at increasing awareness of Occupational Safety and Health in general and, more specifically, promoting safety and health as a right at work.

Furthermore, special emphasis should be placed on boosting safety and health in the mining, construction, and agricultural industries to prevent or reduce workplace accidents.

“Kindly inform us of your plans or programmes for the observance of Occupational Safety and Health Month and Day on or before March 15, 2023,” it stated.

Ministry further informed that the Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, will inaugurate Occupational Safety and Health Month on Friday, March 31, 2023, and the Annual OSH Walk for Georgetown will be conducted on Sunday, April 2, 2023. The month’s launch will take place on the forecourt of the Ministry of Labour, which will also serve as the starting point for the OSH Walk.

The Ministry concluded and mentioned that Attached herewith is a copy of the Logo for this year’s observance of Occupational Safety and Health Month and Day. It is recommended for use on banners etc. Should you require any additional information, please contact the Occupational Safety and Health Department of the Ministry of Labour at telephone # 225-7008, 225-8801 and 225- 8803 or e-mail us at osh@labour.gov.gy.