The Social Protection Ministry hosted a public consultation on Tuesday with the National Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH) for the National Consultation on Draft (Noise) Occupational Safety and Health Regulations (OSH).
Minister within the Social Protection Ministry, Keith Scott, in his address to the gathering at Herdmanston Lodge, stated that the crucial piece of legislation seeks to “positively impact the lives of all Guyanese”.
He highlighted that the Ministry hosted several consultations in recent times; which included the chemical safety manufacturing and forestry regulations.
For the improvement of the legislative framework, Scott added that the regulations under section 75 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act; chapter 99:06, will be
Minister within the Social Protection Ministry, Keith Scott
discussed and implemented. The regulations will promote health and safety in workplaces; in reducing the exposure of noise in the workplace and to require employee’s access and control noise in the workplace.
Since there is no cure for noise induced hearing loss, the legislation is seeking to prevent this while addressing safety and health concerns of the employees.
Scott urged the Occupational Safety and Health Department and the Environmental Protection Agency to conceptualise the ways to manage noise in a responsive manner. He explained that being exposed to excessive noise is harmful as the exposure of harmful chemicals.
The National Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health is a body that has the responsibilities to advise the Labour Ministry, Human Services and Social Security on matters relating to occupational safety and health and promote public awareness of occupational safety and health.
