the occupational safety and health department inspection

The Occupational Safety

Prepared by: Marlon MahonSenior Director Occupational Safety & Health DepartmentMinistry of Labour & Social Security

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And Health DepartmentInspection Process

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Vision Statement

To bring the standard of safety and health for all workers in Jamaica in line with international standards

© OSH Dept - MLSS, Jamaica

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Mission Statement Encourage, promote and maintain world-class

occupational safety & health (OSH) protection for allworkers in Jamaica by: Providing technical guidance and advocacy for

enactment of safety legislation that accords with international standards

Assisting with the development and implementation of excellent safety and health workplace programs

Effective surveillance of workplaces to ensure compliance with existing legislation; legal action instituted as a last resort


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Establishment of the OSHD


Occupational Safety & Health Department (OSHD) was established in 1943 to administer the Factories Act throughout Jamaica.

The Inspectorate The Senior Director 2 Assistant Directors 3 Senior Industrial Safety Inspectors 9 Industrial Safety Inspectors (2 vacant)

Administratively the island is divided into 2 regions –North and South

All inspectors are appointed by the Chief Factory Inspector (CFI)

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Legislative Jurisdiction Main legislation

Factories Act, 1943 The Factories Regulations, 1961

Applicable to establishments “deemed” as “factories” as defined in the Factories Act

Building Operations & Engineering Construction (Safety, Health & Welfare) Regulations

Construction Sites & Civil Works The Docks (Safety, Health & Welfare) Regulations

Docks Cargo Vessels


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New Legislative Initiative The Occupational Safety & Health Bill

Currently before the Jamaican Parliament. The debate opened February 13, 2018

Should encompass “All areas of economic activity” The Voluntary Compliance Program (VCP)

administered by the OSHD since 2007, used to prepare organizations to seamlessly meet the new requirements of the OSH Act


Encouraging businesses with 20 or more workers to establish an OSH program in accordance with the requirements of the OSH Bill OSH Policy and HIV Workplace Policy OSH Management System, including setting up Joint Safety

and Health Committees and ensuring that every worker receives the necessary OSH orientation

Program adaptable to any sector of economy Factories, Construction, Shops, Offices etc.

The OSHD Guides businesses in setting up their OSH program, if they

don’t have one; Evaluates their existing VCP programs by conducting audits

on six(6) predetermined standard criteria

What does VCP entail?

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Powers of InspectorThe Factories Act gives the inspector the power to: Enter, without making an appointment, any

premises at any time to carry out inspections Issue stop orders where imminent and immediate

risks to workers safety & Health (Construction Activities only)

Require tests to be conducted on pressure vessels & lifting machines

Interview any employer or worker during exercising duties


Routine Inspections Visit any premises unannounced Make Observations and Enquiries

General Safety, Environmental Conditions, Material Handling, PPE, Employees Under Age 18, Welfare Facilities, etc

Document observations & findings

Dispatch Letter with findings and recommendations to Managers Conduct follow-up visits; initiate legal proceedings where

necessary Accident Investigation

Schedule Visit Interview Employer, Injured Person(s), Witnesses Review Documents, Visit Scene Determine contributory factors and establish root cause Generate Accident Investigation Report

Dispatch Letters with findings, recommendations & breaches to Managers

Inspection Process


VCP Audit Engage Organisation ( Meetings & Sensitizations) Give three(3) to Six (6) Months to Implement OSH Program Schedule Visit (OSH Lead Auditor & Organisation Focal

Point(s) Review OHS Management System policies, process,

documents Management Leadership & Employee Participation Workplace Analysis Accident Record & Data Analysis Hazard Identification & Control Emergency Response Safety & Health Training as a whole

Apply Program Evaluation Profile (PEP Tables)

Inspection Process Con’t


Evaluation of VCP


Each of the elements will be scored from 1 to 5, indicating the level of OSH program, as follows:

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THANK YOU FOR

YOUR ATTENTIONFor more information

Visit us at: www.mlss.gov.jmEmail: [email protected]