Published 8 May 2019
Buckie Got It, St. Kitts and Nevis News Source
Andrew Satney, Executive Director of the St. Kitts-Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CIC)
Speaking at the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Awards Ceremony on May 07 the executive director noted that since assuming the role he has witnessed the efforts made by the Department of Labour to involve workers in activities and functions organized by the department. This, he added, is an applaudable initiative.
“This is extremely important for us as we continue to enhance the workforce in this country, the working environment and also the whole arrangement between the relationship that exists between employers, government and the private sector in general,” said Mr. Satney.
Mr. Satney said that the members of CIC and employers alike are very much aware of the importance of OSH in the workplace.
“It is very important to us because at the end of the day the ability of workers to produce both efficiently and effectively is heavily dependent on the environment in which they operate, in which they work,” he said.
The executive director stated that there is a need to “continue to reinforce the rule of governments and social partners”, adding that “tripartite representation is extremely important in OSH”.
“The social dialogue between all partners must continue, the health concerns of all parties must be tantamount to what we do, and we also recognize the changing environment in the workplace with the increased use of technology, climate change and all of the developments that are constantly taking place,” he said. “…in the work environment in a productive sector we cannot afford to relax in our entire business that we do. At the end of the day, we must monitor the situation; we must pay close attention to how workers feel; we have to ensure they are happy in the workplace, and that way our productivity and our continued expansion and development will be better enhanced.”
