Minister Francourt Message 2022 |28 April 2022

Employment and Social Affairs Minister Patricia Francourt

Employment and Social Affairs Minister Patricia Francourt’s World Safety Day message

‘Act together to build a positive safety and health culture’

“The importance of having a sound and resilient occupational safety and health system has shown its significance over the last two years as we continue to navigate through the Covid-19 pandemic, ultimately striking a balance between the need to protect our workers on one hand and on the other ensuring the continuity of survival of the business sector for the sustenance of the economy.

“We have learned many lessons throughout this journey and an important one is how our occupational safety and health systems are further re-enforced when government, employers, workers and all relevant stakeholders act together, hence encompassing the main highlight of the theme adopted for this year, by the International Labour Organisation which is ‘Act together to build a positive safety and health culture’.

“As we continue to adapt to this new normal, we also need to prepare for future eventualities in order to mitigate the impact that similar pandemics may have at workplace level. Employers should take the time to conduct adequate workplace risk assessments, adopt occupational health and safety plans and implement infection and prevention control strategies through appropriate actions such as safe work practices and the use of personal protective equipment to prevent worker exposures.

“Workplace should also initiate or revamp safety and health platforms to ensure the engagement and participation of both employees and the management in establishing workplace awareness campaigns to make the work environment safer, healthier and adapting to new exigencies as the world of work takes new shape/transforms.

“We must continue to move towards building a strong safety and health culture at all levels, and across all industries. This is why the government will continue to engage all its stakeholders specifically in the review of occupational health and safety policies and legislations to address persistent and emerging occupational safety and health challenges such as Covid-19. The commitment and ownership in building a health and safety culture remains the responsibility of everyone, and if we act together, we will enjoy a safer and healthier workplace.”