Occupational Health & Safety in the Caribbean

Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) is increasingly considered as a part of public health in the Caribbean. OHS issue includes more than the consequences of occupational diseases, accidents and fatal accidents. It is a key element in the process of social and economic development of the region. A direct relationship with the market, productivity, income, poverty, social security, international connections and the environment is demonstrated. South America and the Caribbean is one of the fastest growing labor markets. The improvement of working conditions remains far behind because of this growth. The number of accidents and occupational diseases is therefore relatively high compared to other parts of the world. There is considerably less attention for collective efforts to improve working conditions. The economic impact is estimated at approximately 4% of Gross Domestic Product and is quite high compared to the established economies. Improving and enforcing laws and regulations, taking initiatives including the use of safety management systems, training, information sessions, and audits to the laws and regulations will contribute to ensure that the security around workplaces and working conditions will improve. Because of the major social and economic impacts it is important to improve Occupational Health & Safety.

 

 

Organization Participants and Governance

The Caribbean Health & Safety Foundation (CHSF) has participants. Participants are organizations that are involved in a safe, quality and environmentally responsible business with attention for good and healthy working conditions as elaborated in the Caribbean Safety Standard. Each participating organization has a representative on the board of CHSF. The board is charged with managing the Foundation and monitors the realization of the objectives of the CHSF, In addition, the board is responsible for developing and updating a vision for the area appropriate to the goals of the CHSF. The board has a chairman, secretary and treasurer.

 

Committee of Experts

The Caribbean Health & Safety Foundation also has a Committee of Experts in which consultants, contractors, but also clients can be represented. The members of the committee must be individuals with specific expertise and / or experience in the field of safety, working conditions, quality improvement, organizational and legal knowledge in the industrial, civil and civil construction. The objective of the Committee is to advise the board in terms of safety, working conditions, quality, organization and regulation and the general affairs of the Foundation. If you or your company are interested in participating in the administration or in the Committee of Experts, please contact the Caribbean Health & Safety Foundation.