Occupational Safety and Health:

New law soon

A new law on occupational safety and health is being drafted at present, Labour Relations and Productivity Promotion Deputy Minister Jagath Balasuriya said yesterday.

He was addressing the National Occupational Safety and Health Conference held at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo.

The existing legislation on occupational safety covers only workplaces which are defined as factories under the Factories Ordinance. The new law will cover almost all workplaces.

It will also consider the rapid change in technology and chemical use which contain new safety and health hazards at places of work.

The new law will also promote self regulation. Self regulation and safety culture are prevalent in most European countries. Since a major setback is the lack of sufficient cadres to ensure compliance with safety and health standards the new law will grant the authority of enforcement of the Health Ministry.

It is also planned to enlist officials of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment Ministries in the promotion of occupational safety and health throughout the country.