New Regulations To Deal With Use Of Chemicals In Guyana

GEORGETOWN, Guyana CMC – The Guyana government says it will be implementing new regulations to address the use of chemicals, as well as the conditions of work in the mining, forestry, and manufacturing sectors.

The Ministry of Labour said that the new initiative would form part of the strategies being developed as the country gears to observe World Day of Safety and Health on April 28, under the theme “Safety and Health in the use of Chemicals at Work”.

Figures released by the Labour Ministry showed that last year there were 486 workplace accidents with 10 fatalities. The manufacturing sector accounted for five of the fatalities, while the bauxite sector accounted for three.

But while the figures were a reduction on the previous year, the Ministry of Labour noted there were 12 fatalities among the 738 industrial accidents recorded.

The mining industry accounted for six of the accidents, four occurred in the shipping industry, while there was one each in the fishing industry and forestry sector in 2012.

The government said that a week of activities has been planned to commemorate this year’s observance of World Day of Safety and Health and will focus on safety and health in proper handling, storage and use of chemicals.

Emphasis will also be placed on highlighting the need for greater personal responsibility by employers and employees in ensuring appropriate safety measures are in place, as well as strict adherence to safety rules at all work places, the Ministry said in a statement.

It noted that the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1997 imposes  obligations on employers, those self-employed, suppliers and employees, which are intended to ensure the health and safety of all persons in workplaces including visitors.

“It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure proper storage and handling of all chemicals by trained persons and employees are obligated to wear the appropriate safety gear and equipment when handling chemicals to minimise the number of accidents, altogether eliminate the fatalities due to industrial accidents,” the Ministry added.

It said it was calling on all employers, employees and trade unions to place greater emphasis on ensuring safety and health at work and to seek the services of the Labour Department whenever necessary for guidance and support in implementing safety measures.

“Regulations are in the making to address the use of chemicals at work, as well as to regulate conditions of work in the mining, forestry, and manufacturing sectors. Regulations to address HIV/AIDS have already been tabled in the National Assembly.”

“Hence, as we observe World Day for Safety and Health, we appeal to all stakeholders to make a concerted effort to improve and prioritize safety and health at work.”