Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning Keoma Griffith has called for a fundamental transformation in how workplace safety is approached, arguing that jobs should not expose workers to stress, depression, or unsafe conditions.
Speaking at the opening of the Occupational Health and Safety Village and Job Fair on Main Street, Georgetown on Wednesday, Griffith rejected the notion that high-stress workplaces are an inevitable part of employment.
“Our jobs are not stress environments…we should not be…susceptible to stress and depression and unhappiness at the job,” Griffith stated.
The Minister referenced statements from the International Labour Organization (ILO) to underscore that psychosocial health is essential to productivity and overall worker well-being. He stressed that workers must be able to operate in “a decent environment” to achieve their best performance.
“The ILO has made it clear that good psychosocial health is important on the job…and this is something the government is dedicated in ensuring,” Griffith said.
According to Griffith, improving safety at workplaces requires a change in mindset and shared responsibility across all stakeholders. He emphasized that everyone has a significant role to play in creating safer work environments.
“If we are truly going to put safety first, if we are going to change the paradigm of how we approach health and safety, everyone one of us have a significant role to play in ensuring that every worker…return to work safely, that their job is secured and that they are no more stressed on the job when they leave work,” Griffith said.
Occupational Health and Safety Month is being observed throughout April under the theme “Good psychosocial working environments: a pathway to thriving workers and strong organisations,” reflecting the government’s broader commitment to comprehensive workplace wellness that extends beyond traditional occupational hazards.
