Adhering to Occupational Safety and Health practices

Feb 20, 2018 News

The Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act is part of Guyana’s law and fosters obedience by staff and employers of every kind, from domestic to industrial. Employers are mandated by this law to ensure that each staff is provided with the relevant safety and equipment to get there task done.
The OSH Act states that “supervisors are responsible for enforcing the safety policies and rules”. The Act stipulates that a supervisor must demonstrate safety leadership through setting of good example and taking responsibility for the safety of the staff and their own.
A staff member is also empowered by the OSH Act to refuse to do any task ordered by the superior if the relevant safety gears and proper working condition are not made available and in place.
Also, the employer can refuse to give work to any employee who refuses to attire him or herself with the safety gears provided, as both parties have a responsibility to ensure the worksite is safe.
Just last Wednesday an LBI man was crushed by a wall at Good Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD), leaving one child behind. This incident should be investigated by the authorities to ascertain whether the employer and employee were adhering to the stipulated safety laws laid out according to the OSH Act. Recommendations should be made to prevent future occurrences.
The Rastafarian’s hairstyle many times poses a challenge to the wearing of the Hard Hat. In an attempt to wear the gear, it will show that its full use especially to protect the side of the head is made ineffective due to the presence of the hair. This is an ongoing discussion on many worksites, especially as it relates to Human Rights Act and the Equality Act, which might have some bearing on this topic.
Health and Safety is everybody’s business and all should get involve and be knowledgeable of what is required by the LAW of Guyana.

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