Bridgetown, Barbados – In light of recent tragic accidents involving workers performing tasks at elevated heights, Barbados’ Minister of Labour, Colin Jordan, has called for the implementation of stricter regulations to safeguard workers employed on high-rise structures.
Speaking at the Workplace Wellness in Action Forum, Minister Jordan revealed that his ministry has been closely examining strategies to protect workers in high-risk environments. “We’ve observed a troubling trend of accidents involving workers at heights, and this has prompted discussions within our ministry about the need for more stringent regulations,” he stated.
The minister announced that his ministry has initiated dialogue with relevant unions to explore the possibility of introducing new regulations governing work at heights. “We believe that now is the time to implement measures to protect workers engaged in this hazardous activity,” he said.
Meanwhile, General Secretary of the Barbados Workers’ Union, Tony Moore, echoed the importance of workplace wellness. While acknowledging that workers have a responsibility to prioritize their personal health, Moore emphasized that employers also play a crucial role in creating supportive work environments. He called for a holistic approach to wellness, encompassing various aspects such as healthy food options, smoking policies, and access to resources that promote overall well-being.