RAISING THE STANDARD: GNBS CHAMPIONS WORKPLACE SAFETY

Apr 26, 2026 Features / Columnists, News

(Kaieteur News) – A safe working environment is important, but workplaces don’t become safe by chance; they become safe by choice. At the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is a priority as we work to protect lives, strengthen productivity and build a culture where safety is everyone’s responsibility.

The OSH activities at the GNBS are guided by a comprehensive policy that underscores a commitment to providing a safe and healthy work environment for all employees and visitors, thereby preventing work-related injury and ill health. It further commits to ensuring that applicable regulatory and other requirements are met and that consultations on safety and health issues are conducted with workers and their union representatives.

The policy is implemented by a committee, comprising management and other employees, which conducts periodic safety inspections, safety meetings, and coordinates relevant safety training for employees.

On April 9-10, the committee partnered with St. John’s Association Guyana to offer training on First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to aid a person experiencing cardiac arrest. Employees were given the opportunity to participate in several practical sessions, including wound dressing, performing CPR, using the AED, and other skills required to respond to workplace emergencies. Each participant was issued a certificate valid for three years.

The GNBS OSH committee has, over the years, mobilised employees to participate in various activities hosted by the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning for OSH month, including the annual walk. This year’s walk is slated for Sunday April 26 from the Square of the Revolution to Kingston, Georgetown and forms part of the Ministry’s national “Putting Safety First” Campaign 2026.

Aside from the work done by the OSH committee and GNBS management, employees play a key role in ensuring they adhere to safety rules. The Bureau’s OSH policy notes that there is zero tolerance for employee noncompliance with safety procedures; staff are required to utilise all safety equipment provided and to comply with the OSH Act of 1997 and its regulatory requirements. The GNBS OSH Policy is reviewed annually as required by the Ministry of Labour.

As the Bureau works to enhance workplace safety internally, training and technical assistance are also offered externally to other businesses and organisations to help implement safety standards, including ISO 45001:2018, Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems – Requirements, with guidance for use. This standard offers a systematic approach to identifying hazards, managing risks, and fostering safer, more resilient workplaces for all. Training is also provided to laboratory personnel on the GYS 235:2024 general requirements for safety in laboratories.

GNBS also serves on the National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH), which advises the Minister of Labour on workplace safety policies, promotes awareness, and investigates industrial accidents to enhance worker protection.

As OSH Month 2026 concludes with the global observance of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work on April 28, employers are reminded to work intentionally to promote safe work/business spaces, while employees are reminded to adhere to safety rules and procedures to stay healthy and alive.

This year’s OSH theme is “Good psychosocial working environments: A pathway to thriving workers and strong organisations.”

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GNBS, OSH, safe working, safe working environment

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