Chamber Says Business Community Been Preparing For OSH

Attorney General Anthony Sylvestre says government is taking a cautious approach to the Occupational Safety and Health Bill, which has been stuck in the Senate for a few weeks now. While Sylvestre says there are still details to be ironed out, especially as it relates to domestic workers, the private sector says it has already been preparing for the law’s implementation. Vice President of the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, William Usher, says many businesses have invested time and resources to meet the expected requirements and are prepared to see the legislation move forward. He explains how the Chamber has been preparing members of the business community.

 

William Usher, Vice-President, Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry

“ Obviously it will affect employers and we believe that the positiveness of that effect is what is important as well, the bill is currently at the Senate committee stage and has undergone extensive consultation with stakeholders, including the private sector, right? So it’s not like we haven’t looked at it. The chamber have looked at this in detail. We recognize that legislation of this scope will naturally require ongoing refinement and discussion. Throughout the process, as I say, the BCCI has actively engaged its members to gather feedback, identify practical concerns and ensure that the perspective of businesses are represented during consultations. While readiness levels may vary across sector and the business sizes, the chamber believe that many businesses understand the importance of improving workplace safety standards and are preparing for eventual implementation. There are also many businesses who already have implemented safety measures that far exceed what is in the current bill. You know, BEL, Santander, BSI, a lot of these larger companies really do have safety measures far exceeding.”

 

Usher says the Chamber is not only monitoring the passage of the legislation but clear guideline for implementation because everything in the bill will not come on stream immediately.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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