Public officers will learn to manage workplace stress effectively as part of activities in observation of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

The day will be observed on Thursday April 28, with a one-day fair to be held at the Central Administration Complex from 10:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. under the theme, “Workplace Stress: A Collective Challenge”. 

Thirteen vendors including BVI Health Service Authority, Allure Day Spa, Peter Island Resort and Spa, Save the Seed Energy Centre, Amara Spa, Sensus Gym, Therapy Works, Allure Day Spa and the Eastern Caribbean Soap Company will be available to offer stress relief advice to public officers. Other private partners have joined with the Department of Human Resources to commemorate the day.

Public officers are encouraged to attend the four mini interactive seminars on Forgiveness at 11:30 a.m., Home and Work Balance at 12:30 p.m., Nutrition and Stress at 1:30 p.m. and Exercise and Fitness at 2:30 p.m.

Health and Safety Coordinator for the Public Service assigned to the Health and Safety Unit of the Department of Human Resources Mrs. Dawn Leonard said, “This is a wonderful opportunity for public officers to learn more about the importance of managing workplace stress, to engage with our partners on the topic and to learn more about workplace health and safety in general.”

Mrs. Leonard added, “Workplace stress has gained global attention as an important topic to be addressed and I think this is a perfect opportunity to highlight its importance and potential impact on the workplace. I encourage all Public Officers to take the opportunity to participate in our interactive sessions as well as visit our exhibitors’ booths.” 

There will be interesting prizes including a 50-minute signature massage from Peter Island Resort and Spa, free exercise classes from Sensus Gym, stress relief massages from Sole Day Spa, a two-night stay at Anegada Beach Club, a gift basket from Allure Day Spa, and dinner for two from Fish and Lime. Public officers must be on site to win a prize which will be given out every hour on the half hour.

Mrs. Leonard emphasised that the day was planned with public officers in mind and it promises to be “engaging, fun and stress relieving”.

A special highlight will be the dramatisation and counseling support sessions offered by the Employee Assistance Programme of the Department of Human Resources. 

The fair begins with an opening ceremony at 10:00 a.m. and the interactive sessions will follow immediately after. Exhibitors will be on site and open to all public officers from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) annually observes the World Day for Safety and Health at Work to promote the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally. The ILO states that it is an awareness-raising campaign intended to focus international attention on emerging trends in the field of occupational safety and health and to highlight the magnitude of work-related injuries, diseases and fatalities worldwide.

The Government of the Virgin Islands through its Health and Safety Unit of the Department of Human Resources have been leading observations of the International Labour Organisation’s World Day for Health and Safety at Work since 2009 and remains committed to creating a healthier, less stressed working environment for public officers.