Pictured above: The Honourable Stephen Mc Clashie, Minister of Labour
The Paria diving accident in 2022, highlighted the need for regulations in the commercial diving industry. In an effort to satisfy this need, the Occupational Safety & Health Agency hosted its Public Stakeholder Consultation for the creation of a draft policy for the development of commercial diving regulations on Thursday 25th July, 2024. The consultation which was held at the Radisson Hotel, saw the attendance of sixty (60) persons which included the Honourable Stephen Mc Clashie; Minister of Labour, Chairman of the Occupational Safety and Health Authority; Mr. Curt Cadet, Executive Director of the Occupational Safety & Health Agency; Mrs. Carolyn Sancho and Deputy Director (Legal) of the Occupational Safety & Health Agency; Ms. Pettal John-Beerens, as well as members from various organisations within the commercial diving community. The proceedings featured a presentation by Mr. Phillip Newsum; Executive Director of the Association of Diving Contractors International Inc. which is based in the United States.
Mr. Newsum possesses years of experience in the field of commercial diving and has expertise in Petroleum and Operations Management, Emergency Management, Environmental Awareness, and Safety Management Systems. The purpose of the consultation was to obtain feedback from stakeholders on key technical aspects and requirements pertaining to commercial diving contained in a draft working document that was circulated to participants, as to what information should be subsequently included in a policy document. The Agency received constructive and positive feedback from those in attendance.
This feedback from stakeholders will be collated, assessed and where applicable, would be included in the final policy document. The policy document will be presented to Cabinet via the Line Ministry for approval and onward transmission (subject to any amendments) to the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel, for the development of much needed legislation in the form of Commercial diving Regulations.
While the frequency of accidents in other sectors has been higher than accidents due to commercial diving, OSHA acknowledges the fact that commercial divers may regularly be in dangerous situations, given the high-risk nature of this activity. It is therefore, important that legislation be specific and robust in an effort to further protect those that put their lives at risk at work while conducting such specialist activities.
OSHA remains committed to protecting the safety and health of all persons in Trinidad and Tobago through sensitization and enforcement of the OSH Act.
