Enforce workplace safety

The Editor, Sir:

Indeed, these are dark days for Jamaican workers when again we see two more young men lose their lives at work, perhaps because of negligence and lack of worksite regulations - or is it the lack of enforcement of regulations?

The Factories Act of 1968, albeit outdated, speaks clearly in "The Building Operations and Works of Engineering Construction (BOWEC), Part V111, Sections 74-79," to safety and precautions at excavation sites. There are guidelines with respect to shoring up the sides of trenches, type of material to be used, storing or placing of materials near the side of the trench - all this to be inspected and a written report made by "the competent person", i.e. the trained safety professional.

And there are many such competent persons graduating from our tertiary institutions. But the pictures in the newspapers clearly told the story: no sign of shoring up of the excavation, and dirt soaked by rain all along the sides of the trench.

Safety prerequisites

Companies such as Diageo (Red Stripe) and Petrojam have strict guidelines for contractor safety, which have paid off with significant reduction in contractor accidents. Before a contract is awarded, among a host of other prerequisites, the contractor has to satisfy the company that all workers are safety trained and provided with protective equipment. In fact, the major contractor at one of the companies was mandated to personally employ a full-time safety professional to monitor contractor safety and ensure the enforcement of the company's safety regulations and procedures.

Does the National Water Commission (and others involved in road and other types of construction) have a similar contractor-safety programme? Is it enforced?

When will we all get our act together? When will employer, employee, the relevant government agencies, and all associated and interested parties accept that 'Prevention is better than cure'?

Complaining about poor "response" after the incident has occurred, or commending the prompt arrival of a well-equipped ambulance is only part of the process.

The most significant aspect is to make sure that the incidents do not occur in the first place! Therein lies the answer to preservation of life and limb. The worker can confidently expect to go to work, work safely and come back home safely to his family and friends!

It bears repeating: we need to have the requisite awareness, attitude, rules, and regulations accepted and implemented by all to prevent these tragedies.

But first, we need to have the will and desire to prevent them!

We are, etc.,

THE EXECUTIVE

Jamaica Occupational

Health Professionals' Association