This is a call for urgent action

THE COMMITMENT of both political parties in Jamaica to the passage of the Occupational Health and Safety Act in both Houses of Parliament was made several years ago. The absence of this legislative framework has resulted in Jamaica’s inability to rationally inform national development, health and safety policies, plans, programmes and the formulation and introduction of comprehensive measures for prevention, intervention and enforcement of health and safety standards. This simple yet elusive objective is necessary to protect the occupational health and safety of the Jamaica people in general and the Jamaican workers in particular. This year’s international theme, ‘Optimise the Collection and Use of OSH Data’ could not be more relevant to our present situation, as the decision of our minister of health to close temporarily the Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH) was more than justified by the overwhelming scientific evidence derived from occupational health and safety data at the site. The toxic effects emanating from the ‘Sick Building Syndrome’ of the CRH threatened the lives, health and safety of both patients and staff and necessitated its closure; further demanding immediate, medium- and long-term remedial measures before the CRH may be deemed ‘fit for purpose’.

These OSH issues will be further exacerbated by the contribution of international trade, within which Jamaica strives to become an important strategic logistical component. That international trade presently accounts for 20 per cent of global pollution is an important data for a global logistical hub. The passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act now assumes even greater significance, a matter of national priority, and a call for urgent action by our parliamentary political representatives. PROFESSOR WINSTON G. MENDES DAVIDSON Professor and Head, School of Public Health & Health Technology University of Technology