As a preview of Occupational Health and Safety Day, which will be celebrated internationally on April 28, the University of Guyana launched a book exhibition as part of its observances of Occupational Health and Safety Month.
An array of books, journals and posters pertaining to the issue of occupational health and safety were on display and participants were told to appraise themselves on such a “crucial issue”. Speaking at the event, Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence related that workers should advocate for proper use of gear and equipment to provide safety on the job.
Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence addressing the gathering at the book exhibition
“In this era of globalisation, information is power and we want to have a workforce that is knowledgeable in every aspect of the job, particularly as it pertains to safety and protection,” she noted.
“Empowerment is best achieved when we have the commitment and participation of all stakeholders in the process,” Minister Lawrence further observed.
The Social Protection minister posited that the entire month of April will include a series of events and activities with the hope of “educating and heightening awareness of occupational health and safety in the workplace.”
“It is crucial that all our workers perform and execute their tasks in a safe and healthy environment, hence our theme for this month’s celebration ‘Workplace Stress: A collective Challenge’. Inherent in this theme is the call for all stakeholders – management as well as workers, to embrace this issue collaboratively in an effort to minimise the stress that is evident in the working environment,” Lawrence observed.
She also noted that each employee must be valued, respected and satisfied for them to make a valuable contribution to the company or institution in which he/she is employed.
Additionally Minister Lawrence said that workers must be able to execute their functions “without fear of being hurt, threatened or victimised”.
The event included representatives of Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation; Ministers of the Government; Members of the Opposition; representatives from the Social Protection Ministry, through its Labour Department; librarians of the University of Guyana; Guyana Trades Union officials, and representatives and employees of various workers’ unions.
