Occupational safety body to deepen partnerships as it lobbies for legislation
NEWLY ELECTED president of the Jamaica Occupational Health and Safety Professionals Association ( JOHSPA) Janice Green says that the organisation is set to deepen collaboration with local and international partners to lobby the passing of the Jamaica Occupational Safety and Health Bill now before Parliament.
Green, an occupational safety and health officer at The Jamaica National Group, said that the legislation is critical, as it will ensure that all workplaces in Jamaica are healthy and safe, thereby helping to achieve the National Vision Statement of being “the place of choice to live, work , raise families, and do business”.
“The occupational health and safety legislation will impact persons who work 9:00 to 5:00 and other categories of workers, such as independent contractors and household helpers. Employers, therefore, have a responsibility to provide safe systems at work, and employees have the right to refuse to work in unsafe environments,” she said.
BETTER POSITION
“With the bill at this stage, JOHSPA is now in a better position to widen its collaboration with local stakeholders and approach international organisations for assistance to lobby for the bill to be passed into law.”
Founder of J OHSPA and immediate past president, Dr Sharon East-Miles, said that Mrs Green brings extensive expertise to the post.
“Her experience at the Jamaica National Group and the fact that she is well-trained in occupational safety and health provide advantages for her. She has excellent organisational skills [and] is motivated and driven. These qualities will help her to move the Association for ward. She also has a good team to implement the mandate of the Association,” East-Miles said.
Other officers elected to the executive were Nekita Linton, vice president; Norbert Campbell, honorary secretary; Dr Yohann White, public relations and communications officer; and Kerry Scott, honorary treasurer, who is also employed to The Jamaica National Group as head of real estate and properties.
JOHSPA, a non-profit organisation that promotes health, safety, and well-being in the workplace, was founded in 2008.