BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, April 23rd 2012 (SKNIS) - The Department of Labour is on the move to underscore the importance of promoting safety and good health in the workplace for 2012.

This department is, in this period, partnering with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to undertake a number of activities leading up to “World Day for Safety & Health at Work” on April 27.

Ms. Shernel James, Senior Labour Officer at the Department of Labour said activities surrounding the 2012 theme “Promoting Safety and Health in a green economy,” are intended to promote green jobs in today’s economy, educate the public on risks at work, highlight safety and health in the workplace and promote the realities of decent work.

“World Day for Safety and Health is basically to promote safety and health in the workplace” said Ms. James. “It is a day that the International Confederation of Unions chose some time ago to commemorate those who died in occupational accidents. This year’s theme – Promoting safety and health in a green economy is basically highlighting how safety and health can be molded into green jobs, to sustain development, grow the economy and protect the environment.”

Activities marking the week kicked off on Thursday April 19 with random labour inspections of businesses in key economic sectors within the labour market – Hotel and Tourism, Retail and Wholesale, Banking & Insurance, Manufacturing and Construction.

Ms. James also said the department intends to use the conduct of general inspection as an opportunity to promote green jobs in St. Kitts and Nevis.

“Basically, we are going into workplaces to conduct health and safety inspections and we are using the opportunity to promote green jobs – how employers can take existing jobs and make them greener” explained Ms. James. “For example, recycling, turning off lights when you are no longer using the room, preserving water, using alternate energy such as geothermal energy, wind energy and using green pesticides that can better sustain the environment, the land usage and not contaminate water."

Other activities will feature talks in schools on the importance of safety and health in the workplace, erecting of posters and distribution of pamphlets on the issue. The week will culminate with a national radio broadcast to commemorate World Day for Safety & Health at Work 2012 by the Hon Sam Condor, Minister of Labour.

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