Belize

Overview

The labour force in Belize stands at 71,000  out of a total population of 249,183 (July 2000 est.). The economy is based on agriculture. The construction and the tourism industry are also gaining prominence. The main agricultural crops in Belize are sugar cane, cocoa and bananas  (World Factbook 2000

Responsibility for workers health falls under the portfolio of the Ministries of Health and Labour. The Social Security Board provides compensation for workers injured on the job.

The Belize Workers’ Health Plan is included as part of the National Health Plan (1996-2000). The objectives of this plan are to "reduce the incidence of morbidity and mortality in workplaces, to introduce a National Policy on workers health and to positively influence the behaviour patterns of workers and employers towards a culture of prevention". Under the workers’ health plan, legislation is to be reviewed and updated. Additionally health and safety committees are to be established in workplaces.

Labour Statistics


Occupational Health and Safety Statistics

Occupational accidents by economic activity, Belize. Source: ILO Caribbean Office
Economic activity 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
  Fatal Non-fatal Fatal Non-fatal Fatal Non-fatal Fatal Non-fatal Fatal Non-fatal
Agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting 4 1,336 1 927 1 832 2 892 4 1,013
Mining, quarrying 0 14 0 4 0 10 0 9 0 1
Manufacturing 0 250 0 254 0 172 1 163 2 169
Electricity, gas, water, sanitary services 0 29 2 37 2 43 1 19 2 13
Construction 0 123 0 169 1 101 0 122 1 84
Commerce, transport, storage, comm. 2 81 0 68 1 45 3 70 0 63
Financing, insurance, real estate 0 9 0 5 1 5 0 5 0 6
Services 0 35 0 79 0 143 8 141 1 120
Government/Stat. Bodies 4 58 0 81 0 0 0 82 0 0
Activities not adequately classified 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 30
Not stated 0 0 0 0 2 162 0 82 0 60
Other services 1 62 1 11 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 11 1,997 4 1,635 8 1,519 15 1,585 10 1,559

Source: The International Labour Organization (ILO) Caribbean Office

Legal Framework

The  Belize Factories Act Chapter 296 is the main body of legislation regulating OSH in Belize. There is also the Belize Social Security Act.Other relevant statues are the Mines and Minerals (Safety, Health and Environmental) Regulations. No. 33 and the Registration of Merchant Ships (Cargo Vessels operating in the Caribbean Trading Area) (Safety) Regulations, 1997.

ILO, OSH conventions ratified by Belize are:

Related Agencies and Links

Labour Department
Ministry of Sugar Industry, Labour and Local Government
East Block, Belmopan
Phone: (501) 8-22320 or 23163 or 22204; Fax: (501) 8-22206

Belize Social Security Board
Social Security Headquarters
P.O. Box 18
Bliss Parade, Belmopan
Tel: 08 - 22163, 22471, 22513, 23318, 23670, 23659
FAX: 08 - 23331
E-mail: nhibze@btl.net

info@socialsecurity.org.bz

Occupational Therapists take Innovative Programme to Belize

Belize Acceptable conditions of work: Human Rights Report


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