KINGSTON, Jamaica – Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr, says the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Bill remains a priority of the Government.

“We have been driving that forward. What I would say is that for us to get it right, it requires the necessary interrogation so that the product will be fit to respond to our environment,” he said.

“We are awaiting what would be… final drafts from the Chief Parliamentary Counsel (CPC), and after that, we have the commitment to ensure that we can move swiftly to get it to the legislative committee and get it through the various stages. But it is essential, and it is a priority for us,” he added.

The minister was speaking during the sitting of the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Parliament on Wednesday at Gordon House.

The OSH Bill is intended to repeal the Factories Act (1943), which is limited in scope and excludes vital sectors and groups, such as the financial sector, shops and offices, agriculture and the public sector.

The proposed legislation’s introduction is expected to usher in a new paradigm in workplace safety and health across Jamaica.

The Bill will also set and improve standards for safety and security in the workplace for employees and employers.

-JIS