Overview

Guyana’s population stands at 697,286 (July 2000 est.). The country’s labour force has been estimated at 245,492 (1992 figures). Key economic sectors include bauxite and gold mining. Sugar, rice, fishing and logging are important agricultural areas  (World Factbook 2000). The agricultural sector accounts for the highest number of industrial accidents reported to the Occupational Health and Safety Division of the Ministry of Health and Labour.

Overall, in 1998 there were 61 industrial disablement pension and 46 disablement grant claims allowed by the Guyana National Insurance Scheme. In that year payments were also made for 11 cases of industrial death and 2,402 claims of industrial injury. Payments amounted to $30,258,000 (local currency) for industrial disablement, $12,756,000 for industrial death cases and $43,167,000 for industrial injury cases.

The administration of OSH in Guyana rests with the Occupational Safety and Health Division of the Ministry of Health and Labour. The objective of the OSH Division is to "improve working conditions and the environment with the emphasis on preventative rather than curative measures".

The OSH Division acts in an advisory and regulatory capacity. Officers routinely inspect workplaces and investigate complaints. Officers maintain an OSH information system and undertake public awareness programmes and workplace training seminars. Their activities have recently expanded to include the promotion of HIV/AIDS awareness in Guyana’s workplaces.

Officials of the OSH division also review and revise safety and health regulations. They are currently in the process of reforming and developing legislation for specific sectors such as mining and forestry.

Guyana’s National Advisory Council on OSH (NACOSH) was established in 1993. The Council advises the Minister of Health and Labour on safety and health issues and promotes reform in this area. NACOSH instituted an OSH Policy in 1993. This Policy has been revised as of 1996.

A National Plan of Action was crafted by NACOSH in 1996. It outlines existing OSH problems, sets priorities and objectives. It is a medium term plan, which concluded in December of 2000.

The Government of Guyana also promotes an Occupational Health and Safety Day on Nov. 1^st each year.

There is some OSH training available at the Department of Extramural Studies at the University of Guyana. The department is currently preparing a one year Workers’ Health and Safety Programme. The Institute of Distance and Continuing Education at the University of Guyana also has a two-year degree program in OSH.

Labour Statistics

Legal Framework

Guyana's Occupational Safety and Health Act was passed in 1997 and brought into force in September 1999. This Act requires a bipartite system of responsibility for OSH in the workplace, where workers and employers work together to identify and find solutions for OSH. Guyana’s OSH Act is keeping with the draft Model CARICOM Legislation.

There are other relevant pieces of legislation such as the Factories (Health and Welfare) (Amendment) Regulations 1983 (no. 9 of 1983, Docks (Safety Regulations (No. 2 of 1951) [as amended to 1976-12-31], Building (Safety) Regulations (No. 4 of 1955) [as amended to 1976-12-31] and Factories (Woodworking Machinery) (Safety) Regulations (No. 4 of 1953) [as amended to 1976-12-31]

ILO OSH conventions ratified by Guyana include:

Related Agencies and Links

Occupational Health and Safety Division
Ministry of Health and Labour
Brickdam, Stabroek
Georgetown
Phone: (592) 2-61560; Fax: (592) 2-56985

The Consultative Association of Guyanese Industry Ltd.
157 Waterloo Street
North Cummingsburg
P.O Box 10730
Georgetown
Tel:592-2-64603, 592-2-57170
E-mail: pscentre@guyana.net.gy