Amman: Minister of Labor Khaled Bakar launched the 19th National Occupational Safety and Health Week, emphasizing the theme “With updated legislation… and a positive culture… we create a safe work environment.” This initiative underscores the Ministry’s commitment to promoting occupational safety, educating stakeholders, and enhancing collaboration across the Kingdom.
According to Jordan News Agency, the event highlights the government’s dedication to protecting the workforce and fostering a healthy work environment. It coincides with the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, observed annually on April 28. Bakar outlined that the week’s activities are aligned with the Occupational Safety and Health Strategy for the Prevention and Reduction of Work-Related Accidents and Injuries (2023-2027). This strategy aims to improve safety compliance through awareness campaigns, inspections, workshops, and regulatory updates.
Bakar emphasized the initiative’s role in strengthening partnerships between the public and private sectors, updating safety practices in line with international standards, and encouraging institutions to implement preventive policies that safeguard human capital, which is crucial for sustainable development. He also noted the importance of addressing challenges posed by industrial growth and technological advancements by enhancing preventive measures and regulatory oversight.
Further comments were made by Fathi Jaghbir, President of the Amman and Jordan Chambers of Industry, praising the Ministry’s efforts to bolster the safety system. He pointed out the industrial sector’s low injury rate as evidence of its commitment to safeguarding workers, deemed the backbone of the production process.
Khaled Fanatseh, President of the General Federation of Jordanian Trade Unions, reiterated the Federation’s collaboration with the Ministry to ensure worker safety, highlighting the critical role of occupational safety in protecting employees from workplace hazards. Kordula Mehlhart, Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy, expressed pride in ongoing collaborations with the Ministry, particularly in training and monitoring safety standards to meet international benchmarks.