OSH Bill Finally Sees Movement Inside National Assembly

After more than a decade of waiting, Belize is finally moving to modernize its workplace safety laws. The Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Bill has landed in the National Assembly, aiming to replace outdated legislation and extend protection to all workers, not just those in factories. Labor Minister Florencio Marin says it’s about more than rules, it’s about dignity, fairness, and keeping Belizeans safe on the job. But with such a long delay in getting here, the question is: Why did it take so long, and will it deliver the change workers have been demanding?

 

Florencio Marin, Minister of Labor

“The introduction of this bill in this house reflects not only commitment of our workers and employers but our nation’s commitment to human dignity, fairness and the value of labor. By strengthening and enforcing OSH policies, we are not only protecting workers, we are building a safer, healthier and more productive society. The current factories act which this bill seeks to appeal is outdated and limited in scope.  Our workplaces have evolved significantly and so too must our laws. This bill extends protection beyond factories to include all work places and sectors ensuring that every worker in Belize has the right to  a safe and healthy working environment. The development of this bill has spanned more than a decade. With the Cabinet’s renewed mandate in 2024 and technical support from the ILO, we finalized the draft bill through wide stakeholders consultations. This bill aligns with Belize’s international commitments under ILO Conventions 155 and 187 and supports the implementation of our decent working country program 2024, 2009.”

 

With the legislation, Belize will establish an National OSH Advisory Committee and a OSH Inspectorate under the Ministry of Labor