Minister of Labor Hopes to Have a National Policy on Health and Safety in the Workplace by 2014

Minister of Labor Hopes to Have a National Policy on Health and Safety in the Workplace by 2014
Santiago, Dominican Republic 10/29/2013

The Minister of Labor, Maritza Hernández, expressed her commitment to collaborate with business and union organizations in order to prevent workplace accidents and health risks in the Dominican Republic.

“The certification of health and safety is a tool for managing the challenges that businesses in every sector face, …

Minister Hernández, after giving a speech at the beginning of the 11th Congress on Managing Labor Risks, organized by the Employers Federation of the Dominican Republic (COPARDOM in Spanish), said that by 2014 the national policy on safety and health in the workplace will be formulated.

She reported that this year alone, the Ministry has certified 50 businesses of different types, 80% of which have implemented their own system of risk management.

“The certification of health and safety is a tool for managing the challenges that businesses in every sector face, such as: high levels of accidents, work-related illnesses, missed workdays, labor absenteeism, sanctions, medical costs and workers compensation,” said Minister Hernández.

She added that the certification of businesses in different areas is aimed at improving the work environment, preventing absenteeism and increasing productivity; as well as bettering the image and reputation of businesses by enabling them attract and keep the most qualified personnel, contributing to a culture of prevention when it comes to workplace accidents.

The Congress on Managing Labor Risks, where national and international experts present their work, was formally opened by Labor Minister Hernández and the president of COPARDOM, engineer Jaime González.

The Congress, which ends this Tuesday, is an opportunity to learn about the latest views on medicine and psychology in the workplace as well as management and prevention, among other disciplines.