Problem:

State the current ACTS that seeks to secure the health and safety of workers on
construction sites in Jamaica and state in general what each ACT covers.

The Building Operations and Works of Engineering Construction (Safety, Health

and Welfare) Regulations is responsible for the health and safety of construction workers

under The Factories Act. It covers workplace safety and personal protective equipment,

health and safety of employees, safety of hoistways, scaffolds and cages, load secureness,

lifting appliances, explosives, supervision of safe conduct of work, requirements for

sanitary conveniences, access to clean drinking water, access to accommodation for taking

meals and the provision of first-aid boxes. It also covers worker's rights and duties, one

such duty is the responsibility of workers to take reasonable steps to protect their own

safety and health.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act 2017, aims to prevent accidents and injury

to health in the workplace. It covers the provision of a fair and effective occupational

safety and health representative, the involvement of trade unions and employer

organizations in occupational safety and health practices, raising awareness of occupational

safety and health, the conformity to the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the

evaluation of actions taken in accordance to the Occupational Safety and Health Act. It

also covers the protection of workers and other individuals from discrimination or harm to

their safety, health and welfare, the provision of a framework for the growth and

improvement of occupational safety and health, the facilitation of a consistent national

approach to occupational safety and health and the provision of the highest reasonable
level of protection against harm to safety and health from hazards and risks from work, or

from substances and plants.

Prepared by: David A. Allen, Lecturer