By Belize Live News Staff: The Government of Belize has taken a major step toward improving workplace conditions across the country with the introduction of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Bill, 2025 in the House of Representatives on Friday, June 27.
The Bill was tabled by Florencio Marin Jr., Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government. It aims to establish a modern and comprehensive legal framework to safeguard the safety, health, and well-being of workers throughout Belize. Once enacted, it will repeal the outdated Factories Act and replace it with a robust system aligned with international standards.
Developed over more than a decade, the OSH Bill is the product of extensive stakeholder consultations and technical support from the International Labour Organization (ILO). It is consistent with ILO Conventions No. 155 and No. 187, and supports the implementation of Belize’s Decent Work Country Programme 2024–2029.
One of the Bill’s core features is the restructuring of national OSH governance. It proposes the creation of a National OSH Advisory Committee and an OSH Inspectorate within the Ministry of Labour. These additions are designed to boost administrative efficiency, improve coordination across the labour system, and provide a flexible foundation for future institutional growth.
The legislation outlines the responsibilities of employers, workers, suppliers, designers, and property owners. It introduces mandatory accident and disease reporting, whistleblower protections, and the formation of workplace safety committees. Enforcement tools include improvement notices, prohibition orders, and administrative penalties.
The Bill also paves the way for the future establishment of a standalone OSH Authority, ensuring that Belize’s occupational safety system can adapt to future economic and workplace developments.
The Government is calling on all stakeholders to support the passage of this landmark legislation to create safer, healthier, and more productive workplaces for all Belizeans.
