Overview

Trinidad and Tobago is a one of the more industrialised nations in the Caribbean region. Most of the economic activity is related to the oil and energy sector. Manufacturing and tourism are other important economic sectors. The main agricultural crop is sugar cane. Trinidad and Tobago's total labour force (1998 figures) is 558,700. Of this figure, 64.1% is in the services sector, 12.4% is in construction and utilities, 14% in manufacturing, mining and quarrying and 9.5% is in agriculture (1997 est.)  (World Factbook 2000).

The Administration of OSH matters in Trinidad and Tobago rests with the Occupational Safety and Health Division of the Ministry of Labour. The officers of the Division carry out inspections of factories, construction sites, quarries, docks and electrical stations. They investigate accidents and complaints of hazardous working conditions. The Division also functions in an advisory capacity to the Environmental Management Authority (EMA), the Tourism and Industrial Development Company (TIDCO) and the Town and Country Planning Division of the Ministry of Planning.

The Cipriani Labour College and the School of Continuing studies at the University of the West Indies offer OSH training. OSH seminars have been hosted by organisations such as the Employers Consultative Association (ECA) and the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM).

Labour Statistics

Occupational Health and Safety Statistics

Number of occupational accidents in Trinidad (by economic sector) reported to the Industrial Safety Division of the Ministry of Labour.

Legal Framework

Provisions for Occupational Safety and Health are found in The Factories Ordinance (1949), Chapter 30 No. 2. This piece of legislation is an "Ordinance to provide for the promotion of the Health Safety and Welfare of Persons employed in Factories". Applicable Regulations and Orders under Sections 33 and 34 of the Ordinance include: The Factories (Prescribed Forms) Order187/1948, Boiler Regulations 2/1949, Air Pressure Container Regulations 3/1949, Distillery (Safety) Regulations Government Notice 213/1949, Factories (Welfare Regulations) 62/1951, Factories (Electricity Regulations) 61/1951, Factories (Cleaning of machinery in motion) Order 109/1949, Woodworking Machinery Regulation 152/1949, The Electric Accumulator (Manufacture and Repair) Order184/1974 and The Factories (Protective Measure) Order 210/1977. Additionally sections 37-41 of the Factory Ordinance allows for the notification and investigation of accidents and industrial disease.

Provisions for OSH are also found in other pieces of legislation such as the Mines and Borings and Quarries Act, Chapter 61: 01 and the Gas Cylinder (Use, Conveyance and Storage) Act, Chapter 35:52.

An Occupational Health and Safety Bill has been introduced to the House of Representatives on several occasions. The first draft of this bill appeared in 1975. Since then it has undergone a series of amendments. It was last introduced to the house in November of 1999, but was stood down as it did not receive the required majority vote. The OSH Bill, if passed, would have repealed the existing Factories Ordinance. The draft bill outlines the OSH duties of employers, self-employed persons, employees, manufacturers, suppliers, installers, designers and importers. The proposed Bill also makes provisions for the notification of accidents and investigations of occupational disease. It also allows for the establishment of an OSH Authority.

OSH conventions ratified by Trinidad and Tobago include:

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