A recent ruling by the Privy Council has exposed significant gaps in Trinidad and Tobago’s occupational safety framework, prompting calls for urgent reforms. Anna Henderson, President of the American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago (AmCham TT), emphasized the need for modernization during her keynote address at the 29th Annual Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) Conference in Port of Spain on November 11. The September ruling clarified that workplace safety charges must be filed within six months of an incident coming to the attention of an Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) inspector, replacing the previously assumed two-year window. While civil cases retain the longer timeframe, criminal offenses and safety breaches are now subject to the stricter six-month limit. Henderson warned that delayed prosecutions could be dismissed, placing pressure on the Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA) to act swiftly. She urged the full operationalization of OSHA with an independent board, stressing that unresolved cases risk eroding public trust and hinder learning from past incidents. Henderson also highlighted the role of artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and climate readiness in building resilient workplaces. She cited the corporate downfalls of Kodak, Blockbuster, and Skype as cautionary tales, emphasizing that innovation is essential for survival. The conference theme, “HSSE 360: Innovation for Resilience,” underscored the need to integrate safety and sustainability into every business decision. Henderson advocated for predictive systems using AI to anticipate risks, detect hazards in real time, and enhance decision-making. However, she cautioned that technological advancements also introduce vulnerabilities, noting that citizens lost over US$3.3 million to online fraud between October 2024 and September 2025. Henderson called for cybersecurity to be a core component of HSSE strategies, stating, “Cyber resilience is now human resilience.” She also linked corporate resilience to climate readiness, referencing the recent impact of Hurricane Melissa and urging businesses to adopt climate-smart systems and adaptive continuity plans. Henderson framed resilience as a proactive approach, encouraging companies to break down silos, empower employees, and foster cultures of trust and accountability. She concluded with a call to action, urging participants to create workplaces that protect lives, enable progress, and build a society where every citizen feels safe and valued.