Belize's 12-Year Delay in Worker Safety Bill Leaves Lives at Risk

By: Omar Silva, Editor, National Perspective Belize - DIGITAL 2024

Belize City: Thursday 15th February 2024

In a long-awaited move, the Belizean government has finally taken steps to address a critical issue plaguing the nation's workforce: the lack of comprehensive legislation safeguarding the safety and health of workers. After a staggering 12-year delay, Cabinet has at last approved amendments to the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Bill, signalling a significant stride towards protecting the lives and well-being of employees across various sectors.

The amended OSH Bill represents a crucial initiative aimed at establishing a robust legal framework dedicated to ensuring the safety and health of workers throughout Belize. Among its key objectives is the delineation of clear responsibilities for both workers and employers, marking a departure from outdated regulations such as the Factories Act, Chapter 296 of the Substantive Laws of Belize. Additionally, the bill paves the way for the establishment of vital institutions like the National Occupational Safety and Health Authority and the Occupational Safety and Health Inspectorate.

Crucially, the amended OSH Bill incorporates essential protections tailored to the needs of workers, especially those in high-risk industries like construction and factories. Provisions mandating the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including hard hats, gloves, safety goggles, and respiratory protection, ensure that workers are adequately equipped to mitigate hazards in their work environments.

Furthermore, the bill addresses hazards specific to construction work by including provisions for Fall Protection measures such as guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems. Similarly, regulations governing machinery safety require employers to ensure the safe operation of equipment through regular inspection, maintenance, and guarding of moving parts to prevent crush injuries and amputations.

Recognizing the prevalence of ergonomic hazards in jobs involving repetitive motions and heavy lifting, the OSH Bill also mandates ergonomic assessments and controls to minimize the risk of musculoskeletal disorders among workers.

These provisions underscore the government's commitment to prioritizing the welfare and safety of the Belizean workforce, ensuring that every worker, regardless of their occupation or industry, is afforded the fundamental right to a safe and healthy work environment.

As the Attorney General's Ministry prepares the revised bill for presentation to the House of Representatives, it is imperative that lawmakers prioritize its swift enactment. Every day of delay translates to heightened risks for workers across Belize, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive legislation that leaves no room for ambiguity or oversight.

This legislative endeavour must not be viewed as a mere formality but as a moral imperative. The government owes it to its citizens to ensure that every worker, regardless of their occupation or industry, is afforded the fundamental right to a safe and healthy work environment. Failure to act decisively would not only perpetuate injustice but also betray a fundamental duty to protect the most vulnerable members of society.

In championing the OSH Bill, the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour, and Local Government demonstrates a commendable commitment to upholding the welfare and safety of the Belizean workforce. Let us not squander this opportunity to enact meaningful change and usher in a new era of workplace safety and accountability for all.