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Barbados |
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Overview |
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The labour force in Barbados stands at 136,300 out of a total population of 266,900 (1998). The country’s economy is based on tourism and manufacturing, however, informatics and offshore financial services are also important foreign exchange earners. While sugar cane cultivation dominates the agricultural sector, there is also some horticulture. The service-based industry is gaining prominence in Barbados, as evident by the 37% of the labour force in this sector. Additionally 27% of the workers are involved in tourism related activities and 10% are in the quarry and construction sector. The tourism, construction and services sector are areas of concern for OSH administration in Barbados. The tourism sector is characterised by a high number of falls in restaurants and hotels. Indoor air quality and ergonomics are key issues for workers in the services sector. Regulation of OSH in these sectors is limited by the existing OSH legislation, namely, the The Factories Act, Chapter 347. This Act only applies to establishments designated as factories and therefore, does not cover service or tourist facilities. Construction sites are covered in the Factories Act, thus, there is greater legislative control over this sector. The OSH Section of the Factory Inspectorate of the Labour Department is the primary administrative agency for OSH in Barbados. The Factory Inspectorate also collaborates with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Environment, the Town and Country Planning Department and the Ministry of Agriculture as the need arises. The Radiation Protection Act is administered primarily by the Ministry of Health. The Factory Inspectorate investigates occupational accidents and routinely inspects factories. The OSH section also conducts OSH training and consultation at workplaces. Officers are also involved in OSH public education. The Factory Inspectorate hosts an annual " Safety and Health Week" in conjunction with the National Advisory Committee on OSH (NACOSH). OSH Training is available at the Barbados Workers’ Union Labour College. |
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Labour Statistics |
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Occupational Health and Safety Statistics |
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The Factories Act, Chapter 347 provides the basic legislative framework for the administration of OSH in Barbados. The Factories Act is however, limited to establishments defined as factories. The Accident and Occupational Diseases (Notification) Act, Chapter 338, also has provisions for safety and health. It also has a wider coverage than the Factories Act as it applies to all workplaces except for domestic employment and the Armed Forces. Under this Act, accidents causing loss of life or worker absenteeism for more than 3 days, must be reported to the Chief Labour Officer. The Chief Labour officer also has to be notified if there is a suspected case of an occupational disease listed in the Third Schedule of the Accident and Occupational Diseases (Notification) Act. These diseases include pneumoconiosis, bronchopulmonary diseases and occupational asthma. Other pertinent legislation include the Quarries Act, Chapter 353, the Radiation Protection Act, Chapter 353A, and the Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act Chapter 347. There is also a proposed Health and Safety at Work Bill. This bill is more universal in scope than the existing legislation. Its coverage extends beyond factories as it applies to all workplaces with the exception of domestic employment and the Armed Forces. ILO
OSH conventions ratified by Barbados include:
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Related Agencies and Links |
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Occupational
Safety and Health Section Labour Department Verona, Bank Hall St. Michael, Barbados Tel: 228-4409/426-1436 Fax: 436-2289 Barbados Workers' Union (BWU) - The Labour College |
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