The ILO states that a safe and healthy working environment is essential and should be maintained through a system of defined rights, responsibilities and duties.

The Ministry of the Public Service, Information and Broadcasting is collaborating with members of the private sector to sensitize the public on health and safety in the work place.

Public Service Permanent Secretary, Phillip Dalsou, said local businesses need to build a culture of occupational safety and health as outlined by the International Labor Organization (ILO).

“The ILO defines a national occupational safety and health culture as one in which the right to a safe and healthy working environment is respected at all levels, where governments, employers, and workers, actively participate in securing a safe and healthy working environment through a system of defined rights, responsibilities and duties,” he said, adding that the ILO also states that the highest priority must be accorded to the principal of prevention.

"The Ministry of the Public Service takes the safety and health of all its employees seriously," he continued. “We have had reported incidences of safety and health related issues and I am happy to report that several of these incidences have been remedied. We are continuing to work assiduously with the capable assistance of the Occupational Health and Safety Consultant, Mr. Griffith, to address those matters expeditiously.”

Dalsou said collaboration is essential in maintaining safe and healthy work spaces.

A number of activities have been planned from June 15 to 19 in observance of Occupational Health and Safety Week 2015.