Government enacts new Occupational Safety and Health Act

By Zoila Palma:  The Government of Belize has enacted the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2026, introducing a modern legal framework aimed at strengthening the protection of workers and improving safety, health and welfare standards in workplaces across the country.

The legislation, enacted and gazetted on September 9, repeals the longstanding Factories Act and replaces it with standards designed to reflect current workplace conditions and international best practices.

The new Act applies to a broad range of employment settings, including public and private-sector workplaces, construction sites, industrial facilities, domestic work environments and certain remote work arrangements.

It establishes clearer responsibilities for employers and workers and creates the National Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Committee and the Occupational Safety and Health Inspectorate to oversee policy development, standards, inspections, compliance monitoring and public awareness.

Under the legislation, employers will be required to take all reasonably practicable measures to protect workers, including conducting risk assessments, managing workplace hazards, improving accident and occupational disease reporting and implementing preventive measures.

Workers will also receive stronger protections, including safeguards against reprisals for reporting unsafe conditions and the right to refuse dangerous work where they reasonably believe there is an imminent and serious threat to their health or safety.

The Act further establishes requirements for the safe management of hazardous substances, chemicals, biological agents and other occupational risks, while strengthening worker participation through workplace Safety and Health Committees and Safety and Health Representatives.

However, although the legislation has already been enacted and gazetted, its provisions will come into force in phases through commencement orders issued by the responsible Minister, allowing time for the necessary institutional and administrative arrangements to be established.

The Labour Department will lead implementation through the establishment of the Occupational Safety and Health Inspectorate, development of regulations and codes of practice, nationwide public education campaigns, training for inspectors, employers and workers, and the creation of reporting and compliance systems.

The Government described the legislation as one of Belize’s most significant advances in labour protection in decades, saying it provides a foundation for safer, healthier and more productive workplaces while promoting greater cooperation among government, employers and workers.

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