In its ongoing efforts to bolster workplace safety and health awareness across all sectors in Guyana, the Ministry of Labour’s (MoL) Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department is currently facilitating a two-day Joint Workplace Safety and Health Committee Training Programme with several employees of Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI).
According to a MoL release on Tuesday, the training is designed to educate participants on critical safety topics, including the benefits provided by the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and the legal requirement to report workplace accidents and diseases to the NIS. In addition, participants will receive sensitisation training on Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS).
The programme is being led by Occupational Safety and Health Officers, Neza King and Johana Vaughn, with support from NIS Training Officer, Dane Chesney, along with Training Officer from the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS), Dr Jagnarine. Together, they will prepare members of GWI’s Joint Workplace Safety and Health Committee to effectively fulfill their responsibilities as outlined in the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act.
Further, participants will gain essential skills to create and maintain safe workplace practices, with the ultimate goal of reducing workplace accidents. This hands-on training will also enable attendees to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of their roles as Joint Workplace Safety Committee Representatives.
Upon completing the programme, participants will be equipped to conduct workplace inspections, investigate accidents, and implement strategies to manage or eliminate hazards. Both the workplace and participants will receive a two-year certification, affirming their commitment to a safe and healthy work environment, the release added.
