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| Wavell Hinds MP |
Opposition Spokesperson on Labour and Social Security, Wavell Hinds, has expressed deep sadness at the death of construction worker Everton Campbell following a workplace incident at the Sangster International Airport on Friday.
Hinds extended condolences to Campbell’s family, friends and colleagues, noting that no family should have to contend with the loss of a loved one who simply went out to earn a living and did not return home. “I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Mr Campbell. The loss of a worker in these circumstances is deeply painful, and my thoughts are especially with his loved ones as they come to terms with this tragedy.”
Hinds said the incident again brings into sharp focus the need to strengthen Jamaica’s occupational safety and health framework and ensure that adequate safeguards are in place to protect workers across all sectors.
He is calling for a thorough and timely investigation into the circumstances surrounding 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 calling on Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles Jr., to provide a clear update on the long-awaited Occupational Safety and 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 legislation expected to proceed to the Legislative Committee before being brought to Parliament. “The Minister has indicated that the legislation is progressing, but Jamaican workers need more than assurances. We need to know where the Occupational Safety and Health Bill now stands, when it will come before Parliament, and when workers can expect the stronger protections that have been promised for years.”
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. “Every worker should be able to go to work with the reasonable expectation that they will return home safely. We cannot wait for another tragedy before treating occupational safety and health with the urgency it deserves. Protecting the lives of our workers must be a priority.”
Editors Note
Why is it taking so long to have the updated law on Occupational Safety and Health legislation enacted? Probably if we wasted less time in parliament, we would have time to deal with this. Having the law is one thing but having enough inspectors at the Ministry of labour is another challenge.
Every organization should have an occupational safety and health manual which should be read by all employers. Before these workers are confirmed for the job, this document should be read and signed by the worker.
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