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Occupational Health & Safety Month…Ministry of Social Protection launches Book Exhibition
In recognition of April being Occupational Health and Safety Month, the Ministry of Social Protection has launched a book exhibition at the University of Guyana.
At the launching of the event which was recently held, the Social Protection Minister, Volda Lawrence said that Occupational Health and Safety Day will actually be celebrated internationally on April 28.
She said however, that the Ministry has dedicated the entire month to a series of events and activities in the hopes of educating and heightening awareness of Occupational Health and Safety in the workplace.
Lawrence said that her Ministry is cognizant of the challenges that are presented on a daily basis in the working environment. The Minister said that she is also aware of the fact that the workforce is exposed to conditions and hazards, which may be biological, chemical, environmental, and ergonomic, among others in nature and for which safeguards and preventive measures must be in place to limit or eliminate any risk of injury, illness or death.
The Social Protection Minister said that it is crucial that all workers perform and execute their tasks in a safe and healthy environment hence theme for this month’s celebration is, “Workplace Stress: A collective Challenge.”
She said, “Inherent in this theme is the call for all stakeholders- management as well as workers to embrace this issue collaboratively in an effort to minimize the stress that is evident in the working environment.”
The Social Protection Minister continued, “Each worker, irrespective of the level at which he operates, has rights which must be honored and physical and emotional needs which must be adequately met. Each employee must be valued, respected and satisfied if we want him to work effectively and make his contribution to the company or institution in which he is an integral part.”
Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence (middle) during the book launch at the University of Guyana
Lawrence added, “He must be happy to come to work and must be able to function without fear of being hurt, threatened or victimized. In a nutshell, this emphasizes the need for our workers and management to work together to provide the appropriate ambience in which the policies and regulations governing Occupational Health and Safety are prioritized.”
It is upon this background that the Social Protection Minister indicated that she was elated to have the launch of the Book Exhibition which will see a wide array of books, journals and posters pertaining to the issue of Occupational Health and Safety.
She said, “We therefore have no excuse for not apprising ourselves of this very crucial issue. As we peruse the titles, I am sure that our interest will be stimulated by one or more of them. Let us not lose this wonderful opportunity to educate ourselves. Make sure that you select a copy and share the information with your colleagues at work.”
The Minister hopes that organizations will seize the moment and ensure that workers are made aware of the requirements that an effective Occupational Health and Safety program entails.
Lawrence noted that the Massy Group of Guyana has on exhibition the protective gear and equipment that will provide safety for workers on the job. As the theme suggests, the Minister said that all must be involved to ensure that workplace stress is kept to a minimum.
She called on all Guyanese to advocate therefore for proper use of gear and equipment and make use of the books through discussions at staff meetings and professional development sessions.
In this era of globalization, Lawrence asserted that information is power. Towards this end, the Minister of Social Protection said she aspired for Guyana to have a workforce that is knowledgeable in every aspect of the job particularly as it pertains to safety and protection.
Lawrence commented that empowerment is best achieved when citizens have the commitment and participation of all stakeholders in the process.
Lawrence thanked the University of Guyana Personnel for being the host of the exhibition.
Picture saved in Monday as launch
Caption: Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence (middle) during the book launch at the University of Guyana
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