The Editor, Sir:

It is with sadness and regret that I learned of yet another fatal accident occurring in the construction industry on Monday, May 5, 2008 at Iberostar Hotel in St James.

A worker fell to his death while working on a scaffolding. Since the accident I have searched the newspapers for reactions to the news and I have found none. There has been no outrage expressed by individuals or groups who represent workers. There has been no public comment from the trade unions. When accidents such as these occur, does the Ministry of Labour conduct enquiries with a view to preventing others?

It has been 10 years since the first draft of a Jamaica Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), and it certainly was not a priority of the last government despite being included more than once in their manifesto as one of the areas that they would focus on. Why does it take years for the contentious clauses in the present draft to be resolved so that the Act can be passed? Does the present government see it as a priority?

Accidents such as these are preventable. In many First World countries occupational health and safety laws have been enacted for over 30 years. Since the passage of these laws, there has been significant reduction in injuries, disabilities and fatalities and improvements in working conditions particularly for those who are at high risk. The law works in these countries because it is universal and it is enforced. Employers are held accountable to provide a safe environment for workers, and negligence, particularly that which results in fatalities, is punishable by exorbitant fines or prison sentences.

We do not need to reinvent the wheel. In the US OSHA Act there are numerous chapters containing guidelines for working with scaffoldings. These include specifications detailing how to construct scaffoldings, safety training for workers and recommendations for various fall protection systems to protect the worker. Similar accidents like this have occurred repeatedly in the construction industry in Jamaica and yet it continues to be business as usual.

Let our voices be heard

I think it is time that those of us in the field of occupational health and safety and those interested in championing workers' rights begin to let our voices be heard loudly and clearly. The Act is long overdue and we need to impress upon the Government the urgency of resolving the issues that have prevented its passage and enforcement. If this government is serious about accountability and about protecting the most vulnerable, this is one of the areas where we need to see urgent action.

I am, etc.,

SHARON EAST-MILES

Occupational Health

Specialist & General

Practitioner

18 Tangerine Place,

Kingston 10