Safety and Health at Work data prioritised

By Ilia L. Likou 30 April 2017, 12:00AM

Samoa joined the rest of the world on Friday to commemorate World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

The theme for this year is “Optimise the Collection and Use of Occupational Safety and Health (O.S.H.) Data”.

The Associate Minister for the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labor, Tuifa’asisina Misa Risati delivered the keynote address.

“Pursuant to the International Labour Organisation mandate, the ‘World Day for Safety and Health at Work’ is observed across the globe, involving International Labour Organisation constituents and key stakeholders on the 28th April every year,”  Tuifa’asisina said.

“This occasion not only commemorates and promotes Safety and Health at Work; but it gives recognition to the thousands of men and women who have lost their lives in the execution of their work.”

 “In this regard, it is imperative for Samoa to improve its capacity in the collection and utilisation of reliable Occupational Safety and Health (‘OSH’) data.”  

“In addition, Samoa is also committed to Sustainable Development Goal 8, that provides for the promotion of ‘inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all’”. 

 “Having accurate data is the basis for policy determination of priority areas, and effective assessment of O.S.H. to ensure we have practical, measurable and effective legislation and policies.”

 “Target 8.8 focuses on the ‘protection of labour rights and promotion of safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment.’”

“As a member state country, we are therefore obligated to report on the ‘Frequency rates of fatal and non-fatal occupational injuries, by sex and migrant status’”.  

“Having accurate O.S.H. statistics, such as data on occupational accidents and occupational diseases is critical in helping the Ministry improve its capacity for strategic planning and evaluation of inspection activities.”  

“Therefore, it is imperative that employers and employees fulfil their obligations and responsibilities by reporting workplace accidents, and cases of occupational disease.”

“To conclude, it is important that a joint commitment is encouraged by government, workers and employers to build and strengthen a culture of prevention on O.S.H.” 

“It is critical that together we initiate, discuss and agree on ideas and prospects for promoting activities for safety in the workplace, ensure safe working conditions and protect the health of all workers.” 

“This can only be achieved when we have accurate and reliable data,” he concluded. 

By Ilia L. Likou 30 April 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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