The Tribune

THE Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill was read for the second time in the House of Assembly on Wednesday.

Once passed, the amendment is expected to clamp down on unscrupulous employers that repeatedly violate the Health and Safety at Work Act and put Bahamian workers and the public at risk.

The government plans to repeal Section 17 of the Act which now reads: “Any person who contravenes any provision of this Act is guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of five thousand dollars.”

In its revision, a number of new offences will be punishable by law and provisions for new and increased fines upon summary conviction for repeated breaches of the Act will be made.

Some of the new features of the amended Act will make it an offence to intentionally obstruct an inspector in the exercise of his power or in the performance of his duties; falsely pretend to be an inspector or intentionally make a false entry in any register, book, notice or other document.

During his presentation in the House of Assembly, Labour Minister Shane Gibson said it is the government’s responsibility to make occupational health and safety a priority in the Bahamas, to ensure a productive workforce.

He said: “We must let our working citizens know that their concerns are not falling on deaf ears. They have entrusted their safety to us and we will ensure that the laws bear enough teeth to allow us to take a bite out of industrial accidents. The cost is too great for us to ignore.”

The amendment has to be passed in the House before it moves on to the Senate for passage.