Officials of the Tobago's Division of Health and Social Services say they are addressing recent concerns raised by daily-paid workers at the Studley Park landfill. Public Health officials met with the affected employees and following a meeting with the Administrator for the Division of Health and Social Services Ethlyn John, on Tuesday morning, immediate actions were agreed upon.
A Health and Safety Officer will conduct safety briefings with employees at the landfill on proper use of protective gear and work safety in keeping with Occupational Safety and Health Act. The County Medical Officer of Health, Dr Vishwanath Partapsingh, said medical examinations would be available to daily paid employees from as early as next week. The process will begin with employees attached to the Studley Park Landfill and sprayers attached to the Public Health Department.
It was also agreed that replacements and repairs to toilet facilities at the site will be completed over the upcoming weekend. In addressing the issue of outstanding arrears, John said she was not aware of any document signifying an agreement between the National Union of Government and Federated Workers (NUGFW) and the CPO with respect to new salary arrangements.
However, in-house systems would be put in place to ensure that outstanding overtime payments were paid as soon as possible, she said. John assured that the Division of Health and Social Services had committed to the well-being of all staff.