Mauritius: A one-day workshop opened this morning, at Le Méridien Hotel in Pointe aux Piments, with the aim of formulating future recommendations for a strong safety and health culture and marking World Day for Safety and Health at Work, observed annually on 28 April.
The Minister of Public Service, Administrative and Institutional Reforms, Teeruthraj Hurdoyal, the Secretary for Public Service, Koosiram Conhye, and the Assistant Director of the Safety and Health Unit, Mr Rajnish Kumar Heera, were present.
This year the theme chosen by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to mark the Day is “A safe and healthy working environment as a fundamental principle and right at work”.
In his address, Minister Hurdoyal highlighted that the health and safety of workers are high on Government’s agenda and that his Ministry is committed to promoting a robust safety and health culture in the public service to improve the working conditions of public officers and create a conducive environment for efficient delivery of their duties.
He pointed out that a safe and healthy working environment is a fundamental principle and right at work, adding that it is a legal obligation that must follow as stipulated in national and international laws and standards. Several policies, guidelines, protocols and standards have been established in line with ILO Convention on Occupational Safety and Health, recalled the Minister.
He also mentioned that Occupational Safety and Health Committees have been set up in all Ministries and Departments to look into safety and health matters.
He said, My Ministry is implementing the OSH Management System based on the ISO 45 001 standards across the Public Service to equip organisations with a powerful tool for implementing safety and health norms and standards in the workplace.
This initiative will contribute towards creating a safer workplace, reducing work-related injuries, and establishing a more resilient occupational safety and health system, he added.
Minister Hurdoyal mentioned that training and sensitisation programmes are also conducted throughout the year to equip Public Officers with the knowledge and skills to promote a safer and healthier workplace.
He spoke on the various activities, including simulation exercises, medical screenings, sensitisation campaigns, and other events that were organised during the Safety and Health Week to reduce risks of health-related illnesses and injuries at work.
“Creating a safe and healthy working environment requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders as it is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration, communication, and commitment”, he said. Moreover, the Minister lauded the collaboration of all Ministries and Departments in making Safety and Health Week a success.
As for the Secretary for Public Service, he reiterated the commitment to prioritise the health and safety of Public Officers at the workplace while emphasising the need to create a synergy between various Ministries and Departments.
For his part, Mr Heerah indicated that safety and health committees serve as a link between management and employees and is responsible for monitoring, assessing, and reporting on workplace safety hazards and health issues. There are also some 49 Officers dedicated to each Ministry and Department to ensure that health and safety norms are being respected, he added.
