Ministry of Labour Review Regulation On Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)

Monrovia, July 6, 2025…The Ministry of Labour, through its Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Division has convened a high-level national stakeholders meeting for the review of Regulation No. 19 under Chapter 29 of the Liberian Labor Law.

Speaking during the opening of the two days event, Labour Minister, Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Sr. said that his administration will work ensure that every section at industrial site have a safety officer as a means of protecting workers against dangerous and risk work environments.

 Minister Kruah, emphasized the importance of Health and safety of workers at work noting this has not only being recognized in Liberia, but the world over.

He said it is important that the Ministry of Labour takes the led because there are Liberians working in these environment with dangerous materials as such, need full protection from these risk associated with their work.

The Labour Minister told participants that Chapter 6, of the Decent Work Act of Liberia or the Labour Law deeds with the issue of OHS in details but requires the Ministry to promulgate Regulations to ensure that every workplace adhere to the provision of said regulation.

He said that though there has been a Division at the Ministry charged to enforce Health and safety at workplace, but its functions has been limited due to the lack of a regulation to ensure compliance in line with Decent Work Act of Liberia.  

Minister Kruah announced that his Ministry has set aside a special training center that will it train all health and safety personnel in Liberia when the Regulation is finalized.

The Ministry reaffirmed its dedication to providing ongoing capacity building, policy guidance, and technical support to ensure that the proposed Regulation #19 is in line with best practices and international labour standards.

The Liberia Labour Minister was speaking at the opening of two-day review of the draft Regulation #19, of the Ministry of Labour on Occupational Health and safety (OHS), held at the Ministry from Thursday, July 4-Friday, July 5, 2025.  

Giving the overview of the process, the Director of the Division of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) of the Ministry, Mr. Jimmy George said this crucial engagement aimed at modernizing Liberia’s occupational health and safety framework in line with international best practices, particularly those of the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Director  George, called on stakeholders to embrace collective responsibility in transforming workplace safety across the country.

He added that key objectives and highlights of the review as one intended to strengthening Regulation No. 19 to reflect international OHS standards and address sector-specific needs.

He named the extending coverage to critical sectors including agriculture, construction, manufacturing, food services, and transportation; institutionalizing certification programs and training for OHS personnel and workers at all levels; and establishing a clear compliance and enforcement framework to enhance workplace safety, improve labor conditions, and generate national revenue.

Speakers emphasized the connection between a safe workplace and national productivity, family welfare, and sustainable development. Stakeholders reflected on lessons learned from regional experiences and applauded the Ministry for progress being made since the reform process began in June 2024.

Director noted that review which held under the Theme: “Strengthening Occupational Health and Safety for a Safer, Productive Liberia” when finalized, will help to regulate and enforce compliance OHS standards at places of work in Liberia.

In separate remarks, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), of HSE Solutions Inc. Mr. Erickson T. Brown and Madam Teta Lorpu Wormonue of TIBA Industrial Group unanimously committed to supporting the finalization and implementation of the regulation.

They promised commitment to protecting the dignity of labor in Liberia and advancing workplace health and safety as a national development priority.

The event brought together the Minister of Labor, Deputy and Assistant Ministers, senior technicians of the Ministry, representatives from organized labor, employers’ associations, development partners, and the  private sector.

 Signed: Joseph Kortu Nyandibo/Director of Communications/MOL