Local businesses and organisations that have embarked on progressive employee wellness programmes will be highlighted as the Territory observes the International Labour Organisation (ILO) World Day for Safety and Health at Work on Friday, April 28.

Three organisations will be featured online via the Government of the Virgin Islands’ social media pages; namely, Adina Donovan Home, Clarence Thomas Ltd. and Caribbean Insurers Ltd.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Dr. the Honourable Kedrick Pickering thanked the organisations for their foresight, consideration and vision. He also urged employers and managers to create initiatives outside and inside the workplace to help to improve wellness for their employees.

He said, “Not just these, but several organisations have embarked upon additional health and safety measures for employees. We must empower and educate the employees and employers who work and drive our economy, so that they can help to, at best, prevent the onset of chronic illness in the Territory.”

Minister Pickering also noted that the additional companies and organisations are to be recognised throughout the year.

Deputy Labour Commissioner and Chair of the Health, Safety and Wellness subcommittee, Mrs. Michelle McLean said, “Through the work of the committee, efforts will be coordinated to improve occupational health and safety. She said that different companies have created exercise clubs, dieting and nutrition clubs, and even periodical diet and exercise challenges.”

Mrs. McLean added, “This year we have created an audio-visual feature for social media which we also hope may inspire persons, especially employers and managers to take the charge in creating initiatives to encourage healthier life choices for employees. Healthier employees results in improved work ethic and employee performance, reduction in sick days and a boost in employee morale.”

Persons should ‘Llike’ and ‘Follow’ the Government of the Virgin Islands on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to view the feature for ILO World Day for Safety and Health at Work, and for other updates on the event.

The Health, Safety and Wellness Subcommittee of the BVI Health and Wellness Advisory Council is responsible for the annual observances of ILO World Day for Safety and Health at Work. The Human Resources Department of the Government of the Virgin Islands has led the observations of the ILO World Day for Health and Safety at Work since 2009.       The Government remains committed to creating a healthier Territory.

Photo attached

Minister for Natural Resources and Labour and Participants at the 2015 ILO World Day for Safety and Health at Work – Exhibition in April 2015