Occupational Safety and Health Policy needed

Tema, April 28, GNA - The Bureau of Public Health Safety and Environment(PHB), an NGO, has appealed to the government to develop an integrated and comprehensive Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Policy that would cover all sectors of the economy. Mr Davidson Akwada, Executive Director of PHB, told the GNA that in the face of emerging global trends in trade and industry, it was important to establish such a policy and legal framework. Mr Akwada expressed regret that the present regulatory framework on OSH lacked consistency and co-ordination.

"The numerous industrial incidents, rampant spate of fire outbreaks, and road traffic accidents around the country which have claimed lives and destroyed properties can be contained with the passing of a policy on OSH," he said.

Mr Akwada said on the occasion of World Safety Day which falls annually on April 28, the government should set up a commission to implement the policy and co-ordinate the technical and promotional actions related to it.

He said in consonance with Article 36 (10) of the 1992 Constitution, under the Directive Principles of State Policy, the State was obliged to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of all persons in employment.

Mr Akwada extended the call to the Association of Ghana Industries, the Ghana Employers' Association, the National Labour Front, and all other commercial and industrial bodies to encourage their members to develop Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems that would help protect the working class.