The Ministry of Labour and Social Security plans to introduce the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) bill in Parliament before the conclusion of the fiscal year.

The bill is intended to repeal the Factories Act (1943), which is limited in scope and excludes vital industries and groups such as the financial, agricultural and public sectors, shops and offices.

Portfolio minister Pearnel Charles Jr., who made the disclosure, said: “We are at a stage where we received from the Chief Parliamentary Counsel (CPC) one of our final drafts.”

“We are responding to questions that they have raised, with a view to having that redrafted to incorporate the recommendations from the Joint Select Committee… that was reviewing the Bill and to advance it as quickly as possible and back to the Chief Parliamentary Counsel so that they can finalise those drafts,” he explained.

The minister was addressing the virtual staging of the Jamaica Employers’ Federation (JEF) 40th annual Business and Workplace Convention on Thursday (May 16).

Charles emphasised the need for the OSH bill to improve occupational safety and health protection standards for Jamaica’s developing labour force, primarily in the services industry.

Consequently, Charles said the ministry’s legal and technical teams are actively reviewing the provisions to ensure that they are fully aligned with the committee’s instructions.

“I want to just assure you that we are proceeding with this as a priority and [we are] working to ensure that, as quickly as possible, the legislative process will move forward so that you can have a Bill tabled in Parliament,” he stated.

The proposed legislation is expected to introduce a new era in workplace safety and health across Jamaica. The Bill aims to enhance workplace safety and security standards for both employees and employers.

Meanwhile, Charles encourages employers to implement the necessary inputs that will safeguard the well-being of their workers.

“Every worker in Jamaica deserves that respect. We need to work together to make sure we are creating that environment,” he said, adding that this will also benefit employers in terms of output.

Charles highlighted the global increase in atmospheric temperatures, elucidating the need to consider the potential effects on outdoor workers and those exposed to extreme indoor heat.

“We hope that… if they are in those conditions… you will… [try] to protect them as best as possible,” he added.

The two-day conference is being held under the theme ‘Business Transformation: Sharing Strategies For Success’.