The Government of Saint Lucia is working towards formulating a comprehensive policy on Occupational Safety and Health. Representatives from the International Labour Organization (ILO), were present for a recent consultation and contributed to the formation of a policy. Labour Commissioner Ray Narcisse says injury or death on the job is a possibility that should be planned for. He says there is need for a tripartite setting, that is government, employers and unions, to discuss all occupational principles, measures, procedures, and systems that can be put in place to prevent accidents and to help workers to feel safe and confident within the workplace. These principles, measures and procedures will be collated into one document – a policy. Narcisse says once that policy available, it would be submitted to stakeholders for feedback before it is finalized. After which that document can be used as a benchmark for all public and private sector organizations so that the application of health and safety standards would meet that requirement.
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