By Nakinskie Robinson
Opposition Spokesperson on Labour & Social Security Wavell Hinds is again calling for the authorities to strengthen Jamaica’s occupational safety and health framework.
This appeal follows the death of construction worker Everton Campbell in a workplace incident at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay on Friday.
Mr Hinds says the incident brings into sharp focus the need for greater protections and adequate safeguards to protect workers across all sectors. He is calling for a thorough and timely investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Campbell’s death, including whether the required workplace safety procedures were being observed and whether there were any breaches that contributed to the incident.
The Opposition Spokesperson is also urging Minister of Labour & Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr. to provide a clear update on the long-awaited Occupational Safety & Health legislation and a definitive timeline for when it will be brought before Parliament.
In May the minister announced that a settled draft of the legislation had been finalised and that consultations were nearing completion, with the bill expected to proceed to Legislative Committee before being brought to Parliament.
Hinds said the latest tragedy must reinforce the urgency of ensuring that Jamaica has a modern and effective system for workplace safety, supported by proper inspections, enforcement and accountability.
Work began on developing an appropriate Occupational Safety & Health law began three decades ago.
The stated objective then was that it would replace the outdated Factories Act, which does not meet the many of the requirements of modern workplace situations.