Safety and Health Symposium Slated for World Day
~~Adz:Left~~The St. Kitts and Nevis Social Security Board will join with the Labour Departments and the Health Departments of the Federal Government and the Nevis Island Administration to mark the World Day for Safety and Health at Work on 28th April 2008. The day has been designated by the International Labour Organization and is also supported by the International Social Security Association. A multi-sector Symposium will be staged by the three organizing bodies under the theme: The Merits of Managing Risk in the Work Environment which is an adaptation of the theme announced by the ILO for this year’s observance.
The local organizations have always been involved in on-going partnership in relation to issues related to safety and health. As far back as 2002, another symposium was held to promote a culture of prevention. It resulted in a number of stakeholders undertaking to sign on to a commitment resolution to promote the ideals of a safe work environment.
This year’s activity will seek to mirror the first such event in bringing together a wide cross section of persons representing commerce, industry, public and private sector as well as non-governmental organizations from civil society. Prepared papers will be delivered by the three organizing partners, Labour and Health Departments and Social Security. Former Labour Commissioner Mr. Clifford Thomas will facilitate a session on specified risks, and a panel discussion among stakeholders will also take place.
However, the day’s main sessions will be preceded by an opening ceremony. This will feature welcoming remarks by the Director of Social Security Mrs. Sephlin Lawrence, solidarity remarks from Minister of Health Hon. Rupert Herbert, and from Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development Mr. Ian Liburd, and a special launching address by the Minister of Labour Hon. G. A. Dwyer Astaphan who will declare the symposium open.
The activity also forms part of activities being undertaken by the Labour Department during the week in keeping with the observance of World Day for Safety and Health at Work.
