2 months ago
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The Government of Belize is working to bring the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Bill back to the National Assembly for its next reading at the upcoming House meeting next month. The controversial Bill was first brought to the House in January 2014, and then went on an 11-year Hiatus, returning to the House in May this year. The Bill was delayed due to the comprehensive review and consultation process required to incorporate feedback from stakeholders. These included the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB). Modifications were also made to align the bill with International Labour Organization (ILO) standards and the national Decent Work Country Programme. Minister of Labour, Florencio Marin Junior, says that even now, the Bill is before a House committee for further refinement, with the hope of having it ready for the next House meeting.
Florencio Marin Jr, Minister of Labour: “That is our ambition right now. It is at committee. The committee had met and had a public consultation. Right now the committee is putting together the notes of that public consultation. When they do that they’re bringing it to our ministry for one final review and as well to the AG. So the ambition, yes, is to get it done. I know initially we had said we were hoping to do it by October, so I can’t promise you in September. remember, remember this bill we need to ensure when we present it to the House, everything, all the t’s are crossed and all the I’s are dotted.”
The OSH Bill is expected to make major changes in the safety standards for employees in Belize. When passed into law the Bill is expected to mandate risk assessments, require that employers provide personal protective equipment, and conduct regular safety training for workers. Furthermore, the Bill is anticipated to empower labor inspectors with greater authority to ensure adherence to the new regulations and impose penalties for non-compliance.
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