Ensuring a safe and healthy workplace is a fundamental aspect of business operations in Sri Lanka. The country's regulatory framework emphasizes the importance of protecting employees from hazards and risks inherent in various industries. Adhering to established health and safety requirements is not only a legal obligation but also crucial for fostering a productive and sustainable work environment, reducing accidents, and minimizing potential liabilities.
Employers operating in Sri Lanka are responsible for understanding and implementing the necessary measures to comply with national occupational health and safety standards. This involves navigating specific laws, establishing robust internal procedures, and promoting a culture of safety awareness among all personnel. Proactive management of workplace safety contributes significantly to employee well-being and overall business resilience.
Health and safety laws and regulatory framework
The primary legislation governing occupational health and safety in Sri Lanka is the Factories Ordinance. While this ordinance specifically applies to factories, its principles and requirements often influence safety practices in other sectors. Various regulations and standards issued under this ordinance, as well as other related laws, contribute to the overall regulatory landscape.
Key aspects covered by the legal framework include:
- General duties of employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees.
- Requirements for safe premises, machinery, and equipment.
- Provisions for preventing accidents and occupational diseases.
- Regulations concerning specific hazards (e.g., fire safety, handling of dangerous substances).
- Requirements for reporting accidents and dangerous occurrences.
While the Factories Ordinance is central, other sector-specific regulations or general labor laws may also contain relevant health and safety provisions depending on the nature of the workplace.
Occupational health and safety standards and practices
Beyond legal compliance, workplaces are encouraged to adopt recognized occupational health and safety standards and best practices. A cornerstone of effective safety management is the implementation of a systematic approach, often based on risk assessment.
- Risk Assessment: Employers are expected to identify potential hazards in the workplace, assess the risks associated with these hazards, and implement control measures to eliminate or minimize those risks. This process should be ongoing and reviewed periodically, especially after changes in work processes or environment.
- Safety Committees: In certain workplaces, particularly those above a specified size or in specific industries, the formation of a safety committee is mandatory or highly recommended. These committees typically comprise representatives from both management and employees and play a vital role in promoting safety awareness, conducting inspections, investigating incidents, and advising on safety matters.
- Training Requirements: Providing adequate training to employees is a critical component of workplace safety. Training should cover general safety awareness, specific hazards related to their job roles, safe operating procedures for machinery and equipment, emergency procedures, and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Training records should be maintained.
- Documentation Obligations: Maintaining proper documentation is essential for demonstrating compliance and managing safety effectively. This includes records of risk assessments, safety policies and procedures, training records, inspection reports, accident reports, and maintenance records for equipment.
Workplace inspection processes and requirements
Regular workplace inspections are crucial for identifying potential hazards and ensuring that safety measures are effectively implemented and maintained. Inspections can be conducted internally by designated personnel or safety committees, and external inspections may be carried out by government authorities.
Internal inspections should be systematic and cover all areas of the workplace, including machinery, equipment, work processes, storage areas, and welfare facilities. Findings should be documented, and corrective actions should be assigned with deadlines.
External inspections are typically conducted by officers from relevant government departments, such as the Department of Labour. Inspectors have the authority to enter workplaces, examine records, interview employees, and issue directives or enforcement notices if non-compliance is found. Employers are required to cooperate with inspectors and provide access to relevant information and areas.
Workplace accident protocols and reporting
Despite preventative measures, workplace accidents can occur. Having clear protocols for responding to accidents is vital to minimize harm and ensure proper procedures are followed.
Accident protocols should include:
- Procedures for providing immediate first aid and medical assistance.
- Steps for securing the accident scene to prevent further incidents.
- Procedures for investigating the cause of the accident.
- Requirements for reporting the accident internally and externally.
Certain types of workplace accidents and dangerous occurrences are legally required to be reported to the relevant government authorities within a specified timeframe. The criteria for reportable incidents typically include fatalities, serious injuries requiring hospitalization, and specific dangerous occurrences (e.g., fires, explosions, structural collapses).
| Event Type | Reporting Requirement |
|---|---|
| Fatal Accident | Report immediately or within a very short timeframe |
| Serious Injury (requiring hospitalization) | Report within a specified number of days |
| Dangerous Occurrence | Report within a specified number of days |
Detailed procedures for reporting, including the required forms and information, are outlined in the relevant regulations.
Employer and employee responsibilities for workplace safety
Workplace safety is a shared responsibility between employers and employees.
Employer Responsibilities:
- Provide a safe working environment, safe systems of work, and safe plant and equipment.
- Identify and assess risks and implement control measures.
- Provide necessary information, instruction, training, and supervision.
- Provide and maintain necessary personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Establish emergency procedures.
- Consult with employees on health and safety matters, often through safety committees.
- Maintain required records and documentation.
- Report accidents and dangerous occurrences as required by law.
Employee Responsibilities:
- Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others affected by their actions.
- Cooperate with the employer on health and safety matters.
- Use machinery, equipment, and substances in accordance with training and instructions.
- Use provided PPE correctly.
- Report any hazards, unsafe conditions, or incidents to their supervisor or employer.
- Not intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided for health and safety.
Both parties must actively participate in creating and maintaining a safe workplace culture.
