Published 30 November 2023
Basseterre
Buckie Got It, St Kitts Nevis News Source
AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT REMAINS COMMITTED TO STAFF PROTECTION AND WELL-BEING
(MOA Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 30 2023);
It has been brought to the attention of the Department of Agriculture (St. Kitts) that allegations have been circulating and suggesting that workers are not provided with the essential personal protective equipment (PPE) necessary to carry out their duties in relation to working with chemicals designated for agricultural use.
The Department refutes these allegations and wishes to categorically state that the necessary personal protective equipment including gloves, boots, respirators and coveralls have been supplied to the relevant Unit, with the most recent requisition being this past July 2023.
In keeping with Department practice, the PPE is kept in the possession of the relevant staff who is responsible for using the chemical as the equipment is not and should not be shared.
Further, staff is trained once a year by the company that supplies the chemicals specifically in the appropriate use of chemicals and proper use of PPE. This is in keeping with the practice of the Department’s safety measures.
The Department has been and continues to exhibit care and concern for workers’ safety by providing the essential PPE needed to conduct work activities as well as offering training to ensure appropriate use of PPE and storage of chemicals. It is therefore unfortunate that these unfounded allegations have been circulating in the media.
The Department is committed to the safety and well-being of our workers, and takes all necessary measures to ensure their protection, including the implementation of comprehensive protective care protocols. Any claims suggesting otherwise are inaccurate and do not reflect the reality of our commitment to maintaining a secure and healthy work environment.
