Saint Lucia is on the verge of introducing its first-ever National Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Policy, a landmark initiative that could reshape workplace safety standards across the island after receiving strong backing from government, employers, trade unions and other key stakeholders.
The proposed policy moved a step closer to implementation following a national validation workshop hosted by the Department of Labour on July 30, where participants reviewed the draft framework and recommended final adjustments before it is submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers for approval.
If approved, the policy will establish the country’s first comprehensive framework for protecting workers, strengthening occupational safety standards and creating healthier workplaces across both the public and private sectors. A national implementation programme is expected to follow Cabinet’s decision.
The policy has been in development since 2024 after the Department of Labour sought technical assistance from the International Labour Organization (ILO) to revise an earlier draft prepared in 2017. A subsequent gap analysis examined changes in Saint Lucia’s workplace environment and international best practices, leading to the preparation of a new draft informed by a national occupational safety and health profile.
Addressing the workshop, Permanent Secretary in the Department of Labour Sheila Imbert described the initiative as a historic step, noting that it will result in Saint Lucia’s first national occupational safety and health policy. She urged stakeholders to actively contribute to refining the document so it remains responsive to the country’s evolving workplace realities.
The development follows Saint Lucia’s ratification of the ILO Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention in June 2025, which recognizes safe and healthy working environments as a fundamental principle and right at work.
Employers and labour representatives also welcomed the initiative, emphasizing that the policy must be supported by effective enforcement and shared responsibility.
Saint Lucia Employers’ Federation board member Jimmy Evelyn said prevention, enforcement and workplace surveillance must form the foundation of the new framework, while ensuring businesses of all sizes, including those in the informal sector, are equipped to comply.
Trade Union Federation President Julian Monrose said workplace health and safety is critical to employee well-being, productivity and national development. He stressed that the policy should be accompanied by institutional reforms and adequate resources to ensure effective implementation throughout the country.
Recommendations from the validation workshop will now be incorporated into the final draft before it is presented to Cabinet. Once approved, the Government will develop a national programme to guide the policy’s rollout and implementation across Saint Lucia.
