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Minister of Labour and Social Security, Dr. Esther Byer Suckoo and Minister of Industry, Small Business and Rural Development, Denis Kellman inspecting products manufactured by Crown Packaging Barbados Ltd. (A. Gaskin/BGIS)

Managing safety and health is no different from managing any other aspect of a business.

This was asserted by, Minister of Labour and Social Security, Dr. Esther Byer Suckoo, as she addressed an Environmental Health and Safety World Class Performance Award Ceremony for Crown Packaging Barbados Ltd. yesterday. It was held at the company’s headquarters in Six Roads Industrial Park, St. Philip.

Congratulating Crown Packaging Barbados Ltd. on gaining certification as a World Class Partner for Health and Safety, the Labour Minister outlined some critical components for successful implementation in managing safety and health within the workplace.

Noting one such factor was the formulation of an appropriate workplace policy, she stressed that this policy should be supported by hazard identification.

Furthermore, she outlined that standard setting, monitoring, measurement and review and assessment were also equally essential.

"Without a doubt, Crown Packaging could not have been recognised internationally without treating these areas as a priority.

"Crown Packaging Barbados Ltd. is justifiably acknowledged as an excellent local and, indeed, international example of the manner in which safety and health administration should be approached," Dr. Byer Suckoo said.

She told attendees that the company’s consistent performance in the area of safety and health, which dates back to when the enterprise was known as Carnaud Metal Box, reflected that management was committed to providing a safe and secure work environment for its employees.

"It is clear from your approach to safety and health that you fully appreciate that every facet of the company’s operation is some way influenced by the quality of safety and health standards," the Labour Minister stressed.

Indicating that the Ministry of Labour and its Labour Department were playing a vital role in educating the public about occupational safety and health, she added the International Labour Office had been working steadfastly to sensitise employers about the provision of decent work for all employees."

Acknowledging World Day for Safety and Health at Work, which was commemorated on April 28, she pointed out that the day also allowed for further sensitisation.

"Primarily [it helps to] raise awareness among government agencies, trade unions, employers’ organisations and safety and health practitioners on emerging trends in the field of Occupational Safety and Health and the realisation that work-related injuries, diseases and deaths do occur," Dr. Byer Suckoo said.

shamkoe.pile@barbados.gov.bb

Author: Shamkoe Pil??

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