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Dominica |
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Overview |
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Dominica’s labour force is 25,000. The total population is 71,540 (July 2000 est.). Much of the labour force (40%) is in agriculture, 32% is in industry and commerce and 28% is in the services sector. The main agricultural crop is bananas which accounts for 50% of all exports (World Factbook 2000) In Dominica OSH is administered by the Ministry of Labour and Immigration and the Environmental Health Division of the Ministry of Health, Education and Sports. OSH officials inspect industrial establishments and proscribe compliance guidelines. Accidents are reported to the Dominica Social Security Board and the Labour Commissioner. A National Plan for Workers Health in Dominica was developed in 1995. Additionally, an Advisory Committee on Safety and Health was established under the Employment Safety Act in 1997. Safety Officers were also appointed under this Act. PAHO sponsored a workshop on surveillance systems in Dominica in 1998. PAHO has also assisted with a national pesticide management survey from July-August 2000, which examined the importation, transportation, use, storage and disposal of pesticides. A National Asbestos Management Plan for Dominica was developed in 1999./font> |
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Labour Statistics |
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Dominica’s major occupational health and safety legislation is the Employment Safety Act (1982) Chapter 90:08. It contains subsidiary legislation such as the Factory and Machinery Rules and the Accidents and Occupational Diseases (Notification) Act Chapter 89:51. The Factories and Machinery Rules outlines the responsibilities of employers and employees with regards to safety. Under the Accidents and Occupational Diseases Notification Act, employers must report all occupational diseases and accidents to the Labour Commissioner. Other relevant pieces of legislation are the Environmental Health Services Act 1997 and the Noise Abatement Act 1993. There is also the Labour Contracts Act Chapter 89:04 under which employees are paid during incidences of occupational illness and injury. International OSH related conventions ratified by Dominica include: |
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Related Agencies and Links |
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Ministry of Legal
Affairs, Labour and Carib Affairs Government Headquarters Kennedy Avenue, Roseau Phone: (767) 448-2401; Fax: (767) 448-5200 Ministry of Health and Social Security Government Headquarters Kennedy Avenue, Roseau Fax: 1-767-448-6086 |