The US State Department in a recent report, lambasted the Ministry of Labour for its inability to enforce laws against unsafe work environments.
In its analysis, the State Department outlined that a number of workplaces were deemed unsuitable for work, but despite this, businesses were allowed to have their workers endure hazardous conditions.
The department said the Ministry of Labour failed to enforce sanctions on these establishments; even though it’s own inspectors compiled a report outlining various infractions.
“Occupational safety and health (OSH) standards are not appropriate for the main industries, and the government did not effectively enforce OSH laws. The law provides that some categories of workers have the right to remove themselves from unsafe work environments without jeopardizing their employment, and authorities effectively protected employees in these situations,” the report said.
It continued, “OSH inspectors actively identified unsafe conditions and recommended procedures for addressing workplace hazards.”
During his budget presentation last year, Labour Minister, Joseph Hamilton said there was a 24% reduction in fatal workplace accidents for 2022, with 19 persons losing their lives on the job.
Another 1298 inspections, according to Hamilton, were carried out across all the administrative regions last year in both the private and public sectors.
