Laws to prevent occupational hazards

Ruwanthi Abeyakoon

LAWS: Legislation to prevent occupational hazards in all sectors, including the agricultural sector, is in its final stages under the guidance of International Labour Organisation (ILO), Minister of Labour Relations and Foreign Employment Athauda Seneviratne said at the 6th National Safety Awards 2006 evolved and sponsored by Eagle Insurance in collaboration with the Department of Labour and Employees' Trust Fund Board.

"Around Rs. 200 million is lost due to industrial accidents. Around 3500 accidents occur every year of which 45 to 50 are fatal. It is a burden to the economy. According to ILO, 4% of the gross product is lost due to occupational accidents," Minister pointed out.

The Minister explained that these accidents could be avoided. " Workers must be safe and feel that they are taken care of. To prevent accidents Occupational Safety Institute was established in 2005. We are committed in improving health and safety.

"Top management of the industries are responsible in providing a safe environment for the workers," the Minister said.

Minister added that the Government and his Ministry would co-operate to minimise the accidents and will find new ways of encouraging employers to provide employees with safety.

The Commissioner General, Department of Labour D. S. Edirisinghe said that occupational safety would lead to success in business.

"The data of the General Hospital shows that 3 to 4 percent admission is based on industrial accidents. In the year 2005 more than 2000 injuries were reported with 178 fatal accidents. This is an immense challenge which should be achieved," Edirisinghe said.

This year 29 safest working places were recognised for implementing and augmenting their safety standards to a national level of excellence. All- island winner in the large scale category was Ceylon Petroleum Corporation-refinery division, Premium Exports Ceylon Ltd, Ceytea, Agarapathana, Sapugaskanda was the Medium scale winner while Glaxo Wellcome Ceylon Ltd, Moratuwa was the winner of the small scale category.