In Suriname, the central framework for health and safety is the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1980. This law outlines employer responsibilities and worker rights in relation to creating and maintaining safe working conditions. Other key legislations include the Labor Act of 1963, which addresses working hours, minimum wage, and hygiene, and the Safety Regulations, which provide industry-specific guidelines on safety equipment, hazardous substances, and accident prevention. The Industrial Accidents Act governs compensation and reporting mechanisms for injuries and illnesses, while the Pesticides Act regulates the handling, transportation, storage, and disposal of pesticides.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers in Suriname have a statutory duty to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their workers. This includes conducting regular risk assessments, maintaining a safe work environment, providing training and information on potential hazards and safe working procedures, providing and enforcing the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), implementing measures to control hazards, maintaining records of accidents and illnesses, and ensuring the availability of first-aid facilities and trained personnel.

Employee Rights

Surinamese workers have the right to refuse dangerous work, receive accurate and up-to-date information on workplace hazards and protective measures, participate in health and safety matters through consultation with employers and representation on health and safety committees, and protection from discrimination for exercising their health and safety rights.

Enforcement

The Ministry of Labour is responsible for overseeing and enforcing health and safety laws in Suriname. Labor inspectors have the power to carry out inspections without prior notice, inspect and test machinery, equipment, and substances to ensure safety standards are met, investigate accidents and illnesses, issue improvement notices, and initiate prosecution against employers who violate health and safety regulations.

Additional Considerations

Suriname may have additional laws and regulations governing health and safety in specific sectors such as mining, construction, and agriculture. Employers and workers are also encouraged to adhere to international best practices in health and safety promoted by organizations like the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Occupational health and safety (OHS) in Suriname is based on several key pieces of legislation and regulations. These include the Labour Act (1963), the Occupational Safety and Health Act (1947), Nine Safety Regulations, the Industrial Accidents Act, and the Pesticides Act.

Responsible Authorities

The Ministry of Labour, Technological Development and Environment is the primary government agency overseeing OHS in Suriname. Its responsibilities include establishing and enforcing OHS regulations, promoting OHS awareness and education. The Labour Safety Inspectorate, a division within the Ministry, is directly responsible for OHS inspections and enforcement actions.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers in Suriname have a duty to protect the health and safety of their workers. This includes providing a safe workplace, training and information, hazard reporting and incident investigation, maintenance of equipment and facilities, and record-keeping.

Worker Rights and Responsibilities

Workers in Suriname have rights and responsibilities in ensuring a safe and healthy workplace. These include the right to refuse unsafe work, the right to know about hazards, the right to participate in OHS decision-making, and the responsibility to follow safety rules.

Important OHS Areas

Specific occupational health and safety areas covered by Surinamese regulations include chemical safety, ergonomics, machine safety, first aid and emergency response, and the provision and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Workplace inspections are a crucial part of enforcing occupational safety and health (OSH) in Suriname. They serve to identify and assess potential hazards, ensure compliance with OHS regulations, and promote awareness and education about OHS best practices.

Workplace Inspection Procedures

The Labour Safety Inspectorate within the Ministry of Labour, Technological Development and Environment is responsible for conducting workplace inspections in Suriname. The general procedures include:

1. Inspection Planning: The Inspectorate develops inspection plans based on factors such as known high-risk industries, accident reports, and worker complaints.
2. Notification: Employers are typically given advanced notice of an inspection, although unannounced inspections may also occur.
3. Opening Meeting: The inspection begins with an opening meeting where the inspector explains the scope and purpose of the inspection.
4. Walkthrough and Assessment: The inspector conducts a thorough walkthrough, observing work practices, examining equipment, and interviewing workers. They reference specific requirements within the relevant OHS regulations during the assessment.
5. Closing Meeting: The inspector presents preliminary findings and discusses any observed safety violations or areas of concern.
6. Inspection Report: A formal inspection report is issued detailing findings, recommendations, and any required corrective actions.

Inspection Criteria

Workplace inspections in Suriname cover a wide range of OHS criteria, including:

• General workplace safety: Emergency exits, fire safety, housekeeping, sanitation.
• Machine safety: Machine guarding, interlocks, safe operating procedures.
• Chemical hazards: Storage, labeling, safety data sheets (SDS), spill control.
• Ergonomics: Prevention of musculoskeletal injuries, workstation design.
• Electrical safety: Safe installations, lockout/tagout procedures.
• Personal protective equipment: Availability, suitability, and proper use.
• Record-keeping: Maintenance of records for accidents, training, and inspections.

Inspection Frequency

The frequency of workplace inspections in Suriname varies depending on factors such as:

• Industry risk level: High-risk industries are subject to more frequent inspections.
• Company's safety record: Companies with a history of accidents or violations may be inspected more often.

Follow-up Actions

• Corrective actions: Employers are given a deadline to rectify identified safety violations.
• Re-inspections: Inspectors may conduct follow-up inspections to verify that corrective actions have been taken.
• Fines and penalties: Employers who fail to comply with OHS regulations may face fines or other penalties. In severe cases, the workplace can be shut down.

Workplace accidents in Suriname are governed by the Occupational Safety and Health Act (1947), which requires employers to report serious injuries, fatalities, or major incidents immediately to the Labor Safety Inspectorate. Additionally, all workplace accidents, even minor ones, must be recorded in an accident logbook, which serves as an important tool for analysis and prevention of future incidents.

Investigation of Workplace Accidents

The Labor Safety Inspectorate is primarily responsible for investigating workplace accidents. The objectives of these investigations are to identify the root cause of the accident, assess compliance with safety regulations, and recommend corrective actions to prevent similar accidents in the future. The investigation process may involve securing the accident scene, interviewing witnesses and those involved, reviewing relevant documentation and records, examining equipment or machinery, and consulting with technical experts if necessary.

Compensation for Workplace Accidents

The Industrial Accidents Act (S.O.R.) in Suriname provides a framework for compensating workers who sustain injuries or illnesses due to workplace accidents. All employees covered under the Industrial Accidents Act are generally eligible for compensation benefits, which may include medical expenses, wage replacement for temporary disability, permanent disability benefits, and survivor benefits in case of fatalities.

Claim Process

The claim process begins when the injured worker seeks medical treatment. The employer must then report the accident to their insurance company, which assesses the claim to determine its validity and the extent of compensation due. If approved, the insurer provides compensation benefits to the injured worker.