Ms. Latoya Harding, the Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) Coordinator for W&T George Group of Companies, recently expressed high praise for the Ministry of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department after successfully completing a vital Joint Workplace Safety and Health Committee training.

The training, which culminated in the certification of nineteen employees, including Ms. Harding, was designed to enhance workplace safety by providing participants with a thorough understanding of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act, Chapter 99:06 of the Laws of Guyana.

The three-day training session covered a wide range of essential topics, including various categories of workplace hazards, risk assessment, and strategies for managing both physical and mental health in the workplace. Participants also delved into specific controls for hazards and explored sources of potential dangers, equipping them with the tools necessary to ensure a safer work environment.

During the certificate presentation ceremony, held at the Ministry of Labour, key officials, including Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, OSH Department Consultant Ms. Gweneth King, and OSH Officer, Ms. Neza King, were on hand to celebrate the achievements of the newly certified employees.

In a conversation with the Ministry’s public relations department, Ms. Harding shared her enthusiasm for the training, highlighting its significance for her company. “With the help of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department, our company is on track to meet the requirements of the OSH Act for the benefit of our current and future employees. This training was a great experience thanks to the Ministry of Labour, and I would encourage other companies to take advantage of this opportunity,” she stated.

The formation of a Joint Workplace Safety and Health Committee (JWSHC) is a critical component of fostering a safe and healthy work environment. These committees, which include representatives from both employers and employees, are tasked with identifying and addressing potential hazards in the workplace, making recommendations to improve worker safety, and ensuring compliance with established safety programmes and procedures as outlined in the OSH Act.

The recent training not only certified the participants but also the workplaces they represent, with certifications valid for one year. The Ministry’s OSH Department continues to offer training sessions across the country to ensure that members of JWSHCs are fully equipped to carry out their crucial roles in promoting workplace safety.

Ms. Harding’s commendation underscores the importance of ongoing education and collaboration in maintaining a safe and healthy work environment, setting a positive example for other companies in the industry.