Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith today sounded an alarm as the country has recorded a total of 13 workplace deaths since the start of the year.

While delivering an address at an Occupational Safety and Health Symposium at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre this morning, the Labour Minister said while there has been greater focus on Occupation Safety and Health from an administrative point of view, workplace deaths and accidents continue to be of major concern.

“While we have made significant strides, statistics for the period January to April 2026 are deeply troubling. For this period there have been 13 workplace fatalities and 64 non-fatal incidents. This increase is unacceptable, and underscores the urgent need for stricter compliance with health and safety protocols,” the Labour Minister said.

He said the country must confront the conundrum head on, adding that there needs to be a shift from “reactive compliance” to a culture of proactive prevention, accountability, and zero tolerance for unsafe practices.

Minister Griffith also warned that stricter legislative and regulatory measures would be put in place.

“Under the leadership of His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali, this Government will strengthen enforcement. We will expand the capacity and reach of our inspectorate. And we will take the necessary steps to ensure that our legal and policy frameworks remain responsive, modern, and fully equipped to address evolving workplace risks. Occupational safety and health standards must not be optional; they must be rigorously enforced across every sector of our economy,” the Labour Minister stressed.

According to the Ministry of Labour, the majority of deaths occurred within the mining and construction sectors.

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