After nearly two decades of persistent advocacy from labor organizations, Belize’s House of Representatives has officially passed the comprehensive Occupational Safety and Health Bill. This landmark legislation represents a significant advancement in workplace protections, particularly for employees operating in high-risk environments.
Prime Minister John Briceño presided over the historic parliamentary session, reflecting on the bill’s extensive seventeen-year journey through multiple administrations. He acknowledged the initial impracticalities of earlier versions that required substantial revisions to ensure both functionality and acceptability among stakeholders.
“We had to ensure it was a bill that can work, that both the private sector and labor can work with,” stated Briceño, expressing satisfaction at finally overcoming this legislative hurdle. The Prime Minister noted the bill successfully passed its second and third readings despite the notable absence of opposition members during the critical vote.
The United Democratic Party Parliamentary Caucus subsequently issued an evening statement clarifying their position. While expressing general support for the worker protection legislation, which they characterized as “a step in the right direction,” the opposition raised substantive concerns regarding enforcement mechanisms. The UDP specifically highlighted issues with inspector authority structures, insufficient penalty provisions, and inadequate protections for workers who sustain injuries. Their parliamentary boycott, according to the statement, represented not opposition to the bill itself but rather a demand for further improvements before implementation.
The newly passed legislation establishes strengthened safety protocols across various industries and introduces enhanced regulatory oversight for workplace conditions throughout Belize.