Griffith pushes shift in workplace culture, says jobs should not cause stress

Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, is calling for a major shift in how workplace safety is approached, stressing that jobs should not expose workers to stress, depression, or unsafe conditions.

“Our jobs are not stress environments…we should not be…susceptible to stress and depression and unhappiness at the job,” Griffith said on Wednesday.

Speaking at the opening of the Occupational Health and Safety Village and Job Fair being held on Main Street, Georgetown, Griffith rejected the idea that high-stress workplaces are normal, arguing that workers should not have to endure mental strain on the job.

While referencing statements from the International Labour Organization (ILO),  he underscored that psychosocial health is essential to productivity and overall worker well-being.

“The ILO has made it clear that good psychosocial health is important on the job…and this is something the government is dedicated in ensuring,” Griffith said, noting that workers must be able to operate in “a decent environment” to achieve their best.

According to Griffith, improving safety at workplaces requires a change in mindset and shared responsibility.

“If we are truly going to put safety first, if we are going to change the paradigm of how we approach health and safety.

“Everyone one of us have a significant role to play in ensuring that every worker…return to work safely, that their job is secured and that they are no more stressed on the job when they leave work,” he said.

Occupational Health and Safety Month is being observed throughout April under the theme, “Good psychosocial working environments: a pathway to thriving workers and strong organisations.”