Labour Department stresses importance of safety and health committees in workplaces

The Labour Department is encouraging employers across Barbados to establish and or strengthen Safety and Health Committees, noting that they play a critical role in promoting safer and healthier workplaces. 

Safety and Health Officer, Trevor Blackman, said these committees are not only a best practice, but are also a requirement under the occupational safety and health legislation. 

“One, it is a requirement under the law, and secondly, it provides the avenue for workers to be able to express their concerns,” he explained. 

Blackman noted that when Safety and Health Committees are functioning effectively, they create a structured system within organisations for identifying and addressing workplace risks before they escalate.

“If it works as it ought to, then workers can speak to the Safety and Health Committee. The committee can then investigate those concerns and make recommendations to management.

It is expected that the management will make every effort to implement those recommendations and ensure that all concerns are addressed,” he said. 

He added that this process allows for concerns to be assessed, corrected and properly managed, resulting in improved working conditions and reduced risks. 

“And as such, it results in your workplace being a safer workplace,” Blackman stated.

The Safety and Health Officer explained that many of the issues identified during inspections could be addressed internally if stronger systems, particularly through active Safety and Health Committees, were in place. He stressed that these committees also foster collaboration between employers and employees, helping to build a culture of shared responsibility for safety in the work environment. 

“Safety is not just the responsibility of management. Workers also have a key role to play, and Safety and Health Committees provide the platform for that engagement,” he said. 

The Labour Department is urging employers, particularly those with larger workforces and those in high-risk operations, to ensure that Safety and Health Committees are established and functioning effectively, as part of their broader responsibility to protect the wellbeing of employees. 

Blackman added that the Department will continue to provide guidance and support to organisations seeking to improve their safety and health systems. (BGIS)