View and Download the Press Statement in: English / Dhivehi.
11 September 2024:
We express our concerns regarding the recent fire incident at Gaamagu Café, which posed significant risks to the safety of numerous individuals, including a large number of migrant workers residing in the affected building which was made from metal sheeting. We extend our sincere condolences to those impacted by this unfortunate incident and commend the swift action of the relevant authorities in mitigating the harm.
Such incidents highlight the need to strengthen the enforcement of guidelines under the Occupational Health and Safety Act which was ratified on 02 January 2024. We are highly concerned by the absence of regulations and guidelines that were to be published within six (06) months from the date of ratification. This leaves employees, particularly those in high-risk environments such as cafés, construction sites, and other service industries, vulnerable to preventable risks and hazards.
- We call upon the state to urgently formulate and publish all the required regulations and guidelines stated in the Act including the:
- Minimum standards to be included under the Health and Safety policy in providing first aid.
- Standards on attire to be worn when handling hazardous materials and equipment.
- Guidelines on preventing danger, physical harm and health risks to employees that might arise during the use of machinery, equipment, plants during their work.
- Principles on compensation for damages incurred during work.
- We further call upon all state and non-state actors to ensure all rights to employees and uphold the accountability of all relevant parties under the Occupational Health and Safety Act as well as other relevant employment and workplace related laws including the right to safe accommodation and workplaces.
- We also call upon the media to exercise due care and responsibility in reporting such incidents. Inaccurate reporting and claims that no serious injuries were sustained despite two migrant workers being taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation, risks perpetuating bias and stigma, particularly against vulnerable groups like migrant workers.
Ensuring that both workplaces and living spaces meet the highest safety standards is essential to safeguarding the lives of all employees, as well as residents living in neighboring households, and to prevent recurrence of such life-threatening incidents. We reiterate our calls to state actors, non-state actors and employers to improve transparency, accountability and monitoring in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations that ensure safety and protect the lives of employees.
-ENDS-
See the Press Statement In Dhivehi:
Enforcing Occupational Health and safety ދިވެހި