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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.

 

Government Revokes 19 Alien Work Permits:

Liberia’s Labour Minister, Hon. Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Sr. has, with immediate effect revoked Alien Work Permits for 19 expatriate workers.

They are further to be forwarded to the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) for possible deportation on charges  of “distortion or misrepresentation”.

A Labour Ministry press release issued quotes Minister as revealing at a major press conference on June 25, at his EJS Ministerial Complex office that the revocation of the alien work permits  is just the beginning of a major shakeup ongoing within the labour sector under President Joseph Nyumah Boakai ‘Rescue Mission Government’.

Minister Kruah, addressing scores of Journalists, disclosed that the ongoing Alien Work Permits Audit Exercise launched a few weeks ago is intended to ensure strict compliance with the relevant provisions of The Decent Work Act which prohibit misrepresentation to obtain work permit.

The Minister maintained: “since our incumbency, we have striven to ensure that businesses abide by the Labour Laws of our country and those found in violation of our laws have been fined or made to face other penal measures, like we have announced today”.

He added that his administration has caused many qualified citizens to gain direct contractual and permanent employment with some companies. Among investment conglomerates whose expatriate workers were affected by the Labour Ministry’s Alien Work Permits Revocation action are:

United Motors corporation (UMC), Pee Cee &Sons, Stop & Shop Supermarket and ORCA. Others are: Boulevard Palace and International Aluminum Factory. Meanwhile, Minister Kruah has announced the commencement of the second phase of the Annual Students Vacation Job Program, aimed at providing financial subsidies to needy students.

According to the Labour Minister, unlike last year when a little over 300 school going youth benefited, this year’s project targets about 1,000 beneficiaries. He lauded friendly investment companies for their continuous support for the program, describing it as “The Heartbeat of President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s ARREST AGENDA’ to empower the youthful population of the country.

Labour Ministry Launches Validation Workshop On Occupational Health And Safety For Workers

Monrovia, July 14, 2025: The Ministry of Labour and stakeholders have launched a three day intensive workshop to validate and adopt Regulation Number 19 of The Decent Work Act. 

Regulation 19 of The Decent Work Act deals with occupational health, safety and Welfare of workers in various formal and informal sectors, including agriculture and forestry, construction and building, mining, manufacturing, oil and gas industry, among others.

According to a Labour Ministry press release, participants at the workshop are drawn from key sectors of society, including Ministries of Justice, Commerce and Industry, Agriculture, Health, Mines, EPA and a cross section of Liberia’s trade union groups.

In his official opening address at the workshop, Labour Minister Hon. Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Sr. emphasized the importance of the exercise which, he described as a key component of President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s ‘ARREST Agenda’ that guarantees the safety, health and welfare of the citizens, especially  workers in hazardous industrial work places.

Minister Kruah expressed grave concerns over the recent wave of industrial accidents and challenged participants at the workshop to deliberate, make constructive inputs and sincere suggestions that will lead to the final validation of the document for the protection of workers across the country.

Earlier, the Director of Occupational Health And Safety at the Ministry of Labour, Ambassador Jimmy George outlined key components of Regulation Number 19, which mandate employers to institute several health and safety measures to safeguard the welfare of their workers. These, according to the Labour Ministry official, include: provision and maintenance of a safe and healthy work environment, conduct of  regular risk assessment and hazard identification, training of workers on safety procedures, as well as combined compliance requirements for employers.

Making a bullet point presentation on behalf of participating stakeholders at the workshop, The Chief Executive Officer of a leading Liberian Health, Safety and Environment firm, HSE, Mr. Erickson Brown stressed the importance of safety for employers, employees and visitors at the workplace and called for the validation of Regulation 19 of The Decent Work Act, to conform to international standards. The final validated version of the regulation is expected to be widely circulated to all major investment conglomerates, trade unions and the general public through massive publicity outreach, the Labour Ministry press release concluded.

MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND LSEZA SIGN MOU TO ENFORCE ONE-STOP-SHOP FOR INVESTORS

Monrovia, August 20, 2025…. The Ministry of Labour and the Liberia Special Economic Zone Authority (LSEZA) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding for collaboration and coordination in establishing streamlined Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Labour and Employment standards and guidelines.

Speaking during the signing ceremony held at the Labour Ministry on today, the Executive Chairman of (LSEZA), Hon. Prince A. Wreh, said the signing of the MOU is in keeping with section 16 of the Act creating his entity which states that all responsible institution of Government working within the mode of the Economic Zone must have a one stop-shop environment.

He described the Ministry of Labour as a critical part of the one Stop-shop arrangement, stressing that with the signing of the MOU between the two institutions, the LSEZA will commence full operations in areas involving the ministry.

The LSEZA Executive Chairman then assured Labour Minister Hon. Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Sr that the Ministry’s representation at the One Stop-shop will enhance the work of LSEZA.

In response, Labour Minister Kruah outlined the importance of the One Stop-shop in reactivating the Liberia Special Economic Zone, emphasizing that this will assist individuals coming to the country to invest to have easy access to related government entities in processing their documents as an encouragement to foreign investors.

The minister further assured LSEZA of his willingness to work with them in ensuring that personnel from the Ministry of Labour are assigned at the One-Stop-Shop for prompt coordination.

A Labour Ministry press release issued today disclosed that the primary objectives of the MOU include: to establish and enforce labour protections within LSEZA, develop and implement a special labour legal and regulatory framework aligned with National Labour Law and international labour standard, as well as to ensure compliance with national immigration laws and internally recognized standards.

The MOU will also facilitate the collaboration between LSEZA and MOL in developing and implementing labour-related regulations; and promote the welfare, rights and safety of workers in Special Economic Zones across the country.

 It will also support the establishment of the SEZ Labour Center to oversee labour relations, employment policies, and dispute resolution mechanisms and collaborate to ensure that all SEZs Enterprises comply with occupational health and safety standards by mandating employees engaged in the processing, manufacturing or packaging of food, health, or pharmaceutical products to possess valid occupational health cards issued by the SEZs Labour Center, the release concluded.

By: Joseph K. Nyandibo- Director of communications

Ministry of Labour Launches Regulation No. 19 on Occupational Health and Safety in the Workplace

Press Release

Monrovia, August 27, 2025. The Ministry of Labour, in collaboration with partners, has officially launched Regulation No. 19 on Occupational Health, Safety, and Welfare in the Workplace, in line with Chapter 29.3 of the Decent Work Act of 2015. This chapter mandates the Ministry to ensure safe, healthy, and decent working conditions for all workers in Liberia.

Delivering an overview of the new regulation, Labour Minister Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Sr. explained that Regulation No. 19 provides a stronger legal framework that clearly defines how workplaces must be structured to protect the lives, health, and welfare of every worker in the country.

“This regulation serves several important purposes. First, it lays out clear standards for occupational health and safety, ensuring that both employers and employees understand their roles and responsibilities. Second, it aligns Liberia with international labour standards and ILO conventions that guide best practices. Third, it establishes systems for risk assessment, prevention, and monitoring, so that safety becomes a culture across all sectors of work,” Minister Kruah emphasized.

He noted that the regulation includes provisions on workplace welfare ranging from sanitation facilities and first aid to rest areas and emergency preparedness. It also mandates continuous training and awareness programs for both employers and employees and empowers safety officers to ensure compliance while promoting collaboration between government, employers, and workers.

Highlighting its impact, Minister Kruah stated:

  • For workers, the regulation serves as a shield protecting life, health, and dignity, while reducing accidents and unsafe practices.
  • For employers, it provides not only a legal obligation but also a business advantage by reducing absenteeism, medical costs, and compensation claims, while improving productivity and competitiveness.
  • At the national level, it supports the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), strengthens compliance with international obligations, and builds trust with Liberia’s development partners.

In conclusion, he stressed:

“Regulation No. 19 is more than a legal requirement. It is a moral duty to protect the health, safety, and dignity of Liberian workers, the true backbone of our nation’s development. Every workplace in Liberia must be safe, productive, and respectful of human rights.”

Launching the regulation on behalf of Vice President Hon. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Sr., the Chief of Staff in the Vice President’s office, Mr. Prince M. Gbieu, described the initiative as a milestone in safeguarding workers’ welfare. He reaffirmed the Vice President’s commitment to creating safe work environments and underscored the regulation as a shared responsibility of government, employers, and employees.

Mr. Erickson T. Brown, an Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Consultant, welcomed the regulation, stressing that it reflects an urgent national priority.

“This is not just a law in the books. It is about life, dignity, and national development. Too many preventable accidents and deaths have occurred in our workplaces. Regulation No. 19 gives the Decent Work Act real enforcement power, ensuring compliance and placing responsibility where it belongs on employers, institutions, and government alike. Safety at work is not a privilege; it is a right,” he said.

The launch ceremony, held on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at the EJS Ministerial Complex, was attended by local and international partners, including representatives from the United States Embassy, the Embassy of Nigeria, the Embassy of Lebanon, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Civil Service Agency (CSA), employer associations, and workers’ representatives, among others.

By: Joseph K. Nyandibo- Director of Communications

Labour Ministry Honours Eleven Retirees for Dedicated Service

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monrovia, Liberia – September 3, 2025: The Ministry of Labour has honoured eleven (11) of its former employees who were officially retired in 2024 after fulfilling the requirements set forth by the Civil Service Standing Orders.

At a special Recognition and Honouring Ceremony held at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, Labour Minister Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Sr. praised the retirees for their dedicated service and peaceful transition from government, describing their retirement as “honourable and dignified.”

“It is important because this is an honourable retirement for these dedicated and committed former employees of the Ministry,” Minister Kruah stated.

“Even though you have received your handshake from the Civil Service Agency (CSA), we instructed our HR Division to organize this program to honour and appreciate you for your years of service. We are certifying you and providing US$250.00 each to assist with transportation,” he added.

Minister Kruah emphasized that although the retirements were affected by the CSA in 2024, it was equally necessary for the Ministry to recognize and appreciate the retirees’ contributions. He further assured that the Ministry would continue to call on their expertise when needed.

Representing CSA Director General, Mr. Rufus M. Johnson, Director of Welfare at CSA, lauded the retirees for their commitment, discipline, and patriotism, which he said had meaningfully advanced both the Ministry’s mission and the employment goals of national development. He, however, noted that retirement in Liberia and other African countries often comes with challenges due to low or delayed pensions.

Speaking on behalf of the honourees, Madam Emma L. Benson, former Director of the HIV/AIDS Division at the Ministry, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Minister Kruah and his team for the recognition. She also made recommendations aimed at strengthening the civil service, including:

  1. Merit-based promotions to ensure vacancies are filled by qualified staff in line rather than outsiders.
  2. Addressing salary disparities so that directors and assistant directors with similar qualifications are equally compensated.
  3. Establishing a uniform retirement age across all ministries and agencies.
  4. Expanding training opportunities for all civil servants.
  5. Providing buses to ease employees’ transportation challenges.

The program was attended by officials and employees of the Ministry of Labour, representatives of the Civil Service Agency (CSA), the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP), family members, and friends of the honourees.

 By: Joseph Kortu Nyandibo – Director of Communication & Public Affairs

Over 1,500 Vacation Job Students Receive Payment Through Ministry of Labour

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Ministry of Labour has successfully completed the payment of more than 1,500 students who participated in the 2025 National Vacation Job Program, marking another milestone in the government’s efforts to empower young people and provide them with valuable work experience.

Speaking during the exercise, Labour Minister Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Sr. praised the program’s success and expressed optimism that it will receive even stronger institutional support in the coming years. He noted that the initiative, which began as a pilot project in 2024, has now gained momentum, producing positive feedback from both government and private institutions.

“We are very pleased with the outcome of this year’s vacation job program. No institution reported misconduct from participating students, which shows the seriousness and dedication of our young people. With greater collaboration from government ministries and the private sector, we can expand this initiative to benefit even more students,” Minister Kruah said.

The Minister emphasized the importance of shared responsibility, urging that every ministry allocate funds in its budget to support the program. He also pledged to present this proposal directly to President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr., who he said remains committed to creating opportunities for Liberians, especially the youth.

“I am confident that President Boakai will be encouraged to see how this program is changing lives. Even students from the disabled community actively participated and performed exceptionally well. This is a clear sign that with the right support, every Liberian youth can contribute meaningfully to nation-building,” Minister Kruah added.

The Minister further encouraged students who have received employment offers from their host institutions to take their roles seriously and serve as ambassadors of the program, thereby opening doors for more young people in the future.

In response to requests from the disabled community, Minister Kruah assured that his administration is exploring ways to support their inclusion in sustainable employment. He immediately authorized his Deputy Minister for Planning and Manpower Development, Hon. Stephen S. Kolubah, to assess opportunities for integrating qualified individuals from the community into the workforce.

The Ministry reaffirmed that the Vacation Job Program is not only a platform for students to gain professional exposure but also part of President Boakai’s broader vision to expand employment opportunities and empower the next generation of Liberians.

Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, Visually Impaired, Mr. Joseph T. K. Barfeh expressed gratitude to the Minister of Labour and team for being inclusive in the recruitment process by extending help to members of the disable community.

He used the occasion to extend thanks and appreciation to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for not making mistake to appoint Hon. Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Sr. as Minister of Labour.

“Your action is a testament of the Act that established National Commission for Disability, Section 5, which states that “In every Government Line Ministries and Agencies where there are hundred persons employed, four percent of said number should be persons with disabilities”.

He hailed the Ministry for not being discriminatory in their recruitment process which sent a caveat and sanity to the world that disable people there is no reason you should feel complacent to meet the world.

He concluded by telling his colleagues that disability doesn’t means inability and appealed to the Minister consider employing at least one disable person in every department of the Ministry.

The event was witness by representatives of government Ministries, Agencies, the leadership of the HR Association of Liberia as well as the Private sector that collaborated with the Ministry of Labour in the successful implementation of the 2025 vacation job program.

By: Joseph K. Nyandibo/Director of Communications

Madam Doris Idahor, Senior Consultant on the PMCS Applaud Ministry of Labour

We applaud the Ministry of Labour for the great strides made in launching its Five-Year Strategic Plan as part of the 2025 Performance Management Compliance System (PMCS) Deliverable on Friday, August 22, 2025. This important milestone marks a bold step toward advancing decent jobs, labour market stability, and inclusive growth in line with the Government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID).

The event was marked by high-level participation, with House Speaker Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon serving as keynote speaker and officially launching the document.

In his remarks, Labour Minister Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Sr. urged the Ministry’s staff to “get ready to work,” emphasizing that the real task lies in implementing the strategic activities outlined in the plan.

For her part, Madam Doris Idahor, Senior Consultant on the PMCS, highlighted the critical nature of the launch, noting: “As we collectively advance the Government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, it is clear that performance, accountability, and results must define the way we do business in public service.” She further stressed that “by setting clear goals for job creation and labour market stability, the Ministry has taken a foundational step in translating policy into measurable outcomes. What gets measured gets managed—and what gets managed improves.”

The PMCS, formally launched in October 2024 by H.E. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., seeks to institutionalize a performance-driven culture across all government entities—anchored in accountability, transparency, and alignment with national priorities. From the initial two performance targets set in 2024, the framework has now expanded to five core targets for 2025, the first and most important being the development of institutional Strategic Plans aligned with the AAID.

To date, over 90 institutions have signed Performance Contracts with the President, with many already developing or implementing their Strategic Plans.

The Cabinet Office remains committed to working collaboratively with all institutions to enshrine a high-performance culture that strengthens governance, improves accountability, and delivers quality public services to the Liberian people.

#PMCS2025 #AAID #LabourMinistry #InclusiveDevelopment #ResultsMatter