Did you know that, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 2011 statistics, around the world there are almost 90 deaths a week, or nearly 13 deaths every day, from fatal work injuries.

As part of continuing efforts to increase awareness of the risks that people can face in their workspaces, the Department of Labour and Pensions (DLP) conducted a training session for the staff of the Cayman Islands Airports Authority (CIAA), on Tuesday, 26 February, and Wednesday, 27 February, 2013.

The seminar focused on occupational safety and health (OS&H) and was tailored to the unique needs of CIAA.  DLP trainers covered topics that included job hazard recognition and analysis, electrical safety, scaffolding safety, materials handling, working above heights, excavation and trenching.

Participants also learned about related provisions in Part 8 of the Labour Law (2011 Revision), and received guidance on the law’s administration and application. Each also took home a copy of the legislation.

Deputy Director (Labour), in the Department of Labour and Pensions, Mr Marlon Bodden, opened the course on behalf of the Director.

“The Department is committed to raising awareness of incidents that can occur in various workplaces and industries around the Islands, and to building awareness of OS&H hazards as well as preventative strategies. We also want to remind everyone to avoid complacency,” Mr Bodden remarked.

He continued, “We are extremely pleased to be partnering with the CIAA, and plan to continue to develop partnerships with all industries throughout the Islands to build a safer working environment.”

Senior Labour Officer Gene Hydes, an OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) Certified Trainer, facilitated the course.

Mr Hydes stated, “The Department of Labour has a strong working relationship with CIAA and we are always happy to have an opportunity to make employees more aware of safety issues. This training is important, because it allows everyone to have the knowledge that is necessary to ensure a healthy and safe working environment.”

CIAA Senior Manager Safety Management Systems Andrew McLaughlin says the authority had previously organised similar seminars for staff, including those on Cayman Brac. A follow-up session will take place on that island for employees who could not attend the first training.

“Our ongoing partnerships with local and international organizations, such as: the DLP (OSH), Fire Extinguisher Pros, the Cayman Islands Red Cross, Airports Council International, the American Association of Airport Executives, and the International Air Transport Association, provide our staff with training that allows them to exceed customer expectations and to maintain compliance with the highest international safety regulation standards.” Mr McLaughlin remarked.

The DLP will continue to host courses on the Labour Law throughout the year. Businesses seeking information or training should contact the department, by telephone: 945-8960 or fax: 945-8961. There is also a confidential hotline for labour and pension complaints: 945-3073.

Located on the 2nd floor of Mid-Town Plaza on Elgin Avenue, the department is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Photo captions Photo by Information Officer Kristi Anderson

Safety training attendees from CIAA are shown with DLP trainer Gene Hydes, and, Deputy Director of Labour Marlon Bodden. CIAA’s Airport Operations Officer, and course participant, Kermith Chung says workplace safety training benefits employers and employee.