The Department of Labour, within the Ministry of Family, Gender Affairs, Persons with Disabilities, Local Government and Labour has taken another significant step toward strengthening occupational safety and health (OSH) in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines through a three-day National Tripartite Workshop on Modernizing the Occupational Safety and Health Framework.

Held from 23–25 June 2026 in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), the workshop brought together representatives of Government, employers and workers’ unions to review the country's existing occupational safety and health framework and identify practical measures to strengthen workplace safety, improve reporting systems, and enhance social dialogue.

The workshop forms part of the Department's ongoing efforts to modernize labour administration and promote safer and healthier working environments across all sectors. Participants examined the country's current legislative and institutional framework, including progress toward implementing the new Occupational Safety and Health Act, which has been passed and is awaiting proclamation, as well as the updating of a National Occupational Safety and Health Profile, Policy, and finalized Programme.

Discussions also focused on the importance of preventive workplace safety measures, stronger labour inspection, improved data collection, and clearly defined institutional responsibilities. Participants explored ways to align further Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' occupational safety and health system with international labour standards and the ILO Global Strategy on Occupational Safety and Health 2024–2030.    

The workshop was facilitated by Mr. Ariel Pino, ILO Social Protection and Occupational Safety and Health Specialist for the Caribbean, who led technical sessions on international occupational safety and health standards, including the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155), and the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187). Participants also examined a roadmap toward the possible future ratification of these important international conventions.

Building on the occupational safety and health discussions, the programme included specialized sessions on international labour standards facilitated by Mr. Shingo Miyake, ILO Labour and International Labour Standards Specialist. These sessions strengthened participants' understanding of reporting obligations, tripartite consultation mechanisms, and implementation of international labour standards, with participation from officers of the Department of Labour, Cabinet Office, Maritime Administration and other stakeholders.

The Department of Labour recognizes that strong partnerships between Government, employers and workers remain essential to creating safer workplaces and promoting compliance with national legislation and international labour standards. The workshop reaffirmed the important role of the National Tripartite Committee in fostering dialogue, consensus-building and continuous improvement of labour governance.

The Department extends its appreciation to the International Labour Organization for its continued technical support and to all participants for their valuable contributions. The knowledge gained during the workshop will help guide ongoing efforts to strengthen occupational safety and health systems, enhance labour administration and protect the safety, health and well-being of workers throughout Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.