An Occupation Health and Safety Sub-committee is now activated to address the health, safety and well-being of workers, especially those who are the most vulnerable to occupational diseases and accidents.

The sub-committee was established under the Virgin Islands Health and Wellness Advisory Council and is expected to strengthen the development of occupational health and safety Territory-wide.

Chairman, Mrs. Michelle Mc Lean said the sub-committee has national scope and was established to provide leadership, coordination, planning, training, policies and strategies that will improve workplace environment and workforce population in the Territory. 

Mrs. Mc Lean said, “In an effort to fulfill its mandate after the devastating hurricanes of 2017, the sub-committee has been meeting monthly to discuss the way forward.  Its most recent proposed venture is to collaborate with H. Lavity Stoutt Community College and Ms. Melony James of Dynamic 360 Support Services, a Barabados based Regional Consultancy Firm to provide training and education in regards to Health & Safety, especially to the Private Sector.”

This training will provide documentation to ensure organisations are in compliance with Part IX – Health Safety and Welfare section of the Labour Code 2010 through receipt of: Draft Safety and Health Policy, Inspection Records, Risk Assessment Forms, Accident Record Book, Equipment Maintenance Record, Contractor’s Agreement, Code of Discipline, Draft Safety Committee Terms of Reference, Safety Delegate/Committee Operations Manual and TIPS (Together we Improve Performance in Safety) Booklet.

The body is one of five sub-committees and is comprised of representatives from both Government and Private Sectors.  The Chairman is Deputy Commissioner of Labour  Mrs. Michelle Mc Lean and the Deputy Chairman is Ogier Practice Manager, Mr. Decoy Mactavious. 

Other members represent agencies including the BVI Teachers Union, Virgin Islands Human Resources Association, BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, BVI Health Services Authority, and various Government departments including the Health and Safety Unit in the Department of Human Resources.

The reactivated sub-committee will lead the observation of International Labour Organization (ILO) World Day for Safety and Health at Work on April 29, 2019 where both the Private and Public Sectors will be involved.