Strategic Approaches to Occupational Health & Safety

 Importance of Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) in Sri Lanka’s Industries

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is crucial for protecting workers and supporting the sustainable growth of industries in Sri Lanka. With sectors like manufacturing, construction, and agriculture facing unique risks, implementing strong OHS practices helps reduce injuries, improve productivity, and boost employee satisfaction.

Sri Lanka’s legal framework, such as the Factories Ordinance and the Shop and Office Employees Act, sets clear safety standards. Adhering to these regulations not only ensures compliance but also prevents potential legal and financial consequences.

By integrating strategic OHS measures, businesses can cultivate safer workplaces, comply with regulations, and maintain a competitive edge in both local and international markets.

2.       Overview of Regulatory Framework

 Factories Ordinance No. 45 of 1942

Primary OHS law for industrial sites. Requires factory registration and mandates standards for cleanliness, lighting, ventilation, temperature control, machinery guarding, welfare facilities, and worker health assessments. Amended periodically to strengthen safety provisions.

Shop and Office Employees Act

Governs shops/offices. Limits working hours and mandates rest periods; sets minimum wages and overtime pay; requires adequate lighting, ventilation, and welfare amenities; regulates employment of minors. Recent amendments allow women’s night work under enhanced welfare measures.

Recently this amendments & Regulations has been changed from Srilankan labour act, 
Hazardous Occupations Regulations (2021)

Classifies high‑risk industries (e.g., mining, foundries, chemicals) and prescribes specialized PPE, atmospheric monitoring, medical surveillance, risk assessments, record‑keeping, and emergency planning. Aligns national OHS standards with ILO Convention No. 155.

Employee Duties and Responsibilities

1. Risk Assessment and Hazard Identification

• Under Section 13 of the Factories Ordinance, occupiers are required to ensure that “all practicable steps” are taken to identify hazards in the workplace; formal risk assessments are to be conducted and documented regularly.

• Hazard registers must be maintained and updated whenever a new process, equipment, or material is introduced.

• Factory Inspectors are empowered to review risk assessments during inspections and to issue improvement notices if assessments are found to be inadequate.

2. Safety Committee Formation and Roles

• The Factories Ordinance (Section 19) mandates that in establishments employing more than 50 workers, a Safety Committee must be constituted.
• Committee membership is to include both worker representatives and management, and meetings are to be convened at least quarterly.
• The Committee is to:
• Review accident reports and near‑miss records.
• Recommend corrective and preventive actions.
• Monitor implementation of safety measures and report findings to the occupier or manager.
• Minutes of all Safety Committee meetings are to be recorded and made available for inspection by the Department of Labour.

Under Sri Lanka’s OHS framework, all new employees must receive initial safety training with annual refreshers, documented and verified during inspections, while specialized instruction (e.g., machinery operation, chemical handling, emergency response) is delivered by certified experts. Physical hazards are controlled through machinery guards, interlocks, ventilation, SOPs, and clear signage, and PPE is provided free of charge and maintained to standards. Accidents must be reported to the Department of Labour within seven days, investigated using methods like the “5 Whys,” and addressed with prompt CAPA, whose records are audited. Annual safety audits track KPIs such as LTIFR and near‑miss rates, and management reviews performance alongside employee feedback to drive continuous improvement.

3. Training and Capacity Building

• Employers are required (under Section 18 of the Factories Ordinance) to provide OHS training to all new employees before they commence work on potentially hazardous operations.

• Refresher training is to be provided at intervals not exceeding 12 months, and training records are to be maintained.

• Specialized training (e.g., for operating heavy machinery, handling hazardous chemicals, or emergency response) is to be delivered by persons “competent” in the subject matter, as defined by the Department of Labour guidelines.

• Evidence of training (certificates, attendance logs) is to be produced upon request during Factory Inspector visits.

• Engineering Controls

Ø  Machinery guards and interlocks are to be installed to prevent contact with moving parts.

Ø  Ventilation systems, especially local exhaust ventilation, are to be used where dust, fumes, or vapors are generated.

• Administrative Controls

Ø  Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are to be documented, implemented, and reviewed regularly.

Ø  Safety signage (warning, mandatory, emergency) is to be displayed and maintained.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Ø  PPE must be provided free of charge where residual risks remain.

Ø  Selection, training, and maintenance of PPE are to follow recognized guidelines and local standards.

4.    Incident Reporting and Investigation

• Legal Requirements

Ø  Workplace accidents are to be reported to the Department of Labour within seven days.

• Root Cause Analysis

Ø  Systematic methods (e.g., “5 Whys,” fault‑tree analysis) are to be used to identify underlying causes.

• Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA)

Ø  Corrective actions are to be implemented promptly, and preventive measures are to be planned to avoid recurrence.

Ø  CAPA records are to be maintained and reviewed during audits.

5.    Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

• Safety Audits and Inspections

Ø  Regular (at least annual) safety audits and inspections are to be conducted, with findings reported to management.

• Performance Metrics and KPIs

Ø  Metrics such as Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) and near‑miss rates are to be tracked and analyzed.

• Feedback Loops and Management Review

Ø  Safety performance is to be reviewed by top management periodically.

Ø  Feedback mechanisms, such as suggestion schemes, are to be maintained and acted upon.

Conclusion

Strategic OHS implementation enables Sri Lankan industries to ensure worker safety, comply with key regulations, and drive continuous improvement. By combining risk assessments, safety committees, training, engineered controls, and digital tools, organizations can anticipate hazards, respond effectively, and overcome challenges like cost and infrastructure. Ultimately, prioritizing OHS not only protects employees but also enhances efficiency, reduces downtime, and strengthens long‑term competitiveness.

 

Reference

(Anon., 2024)

Anon., 2024. Department of labour. [Online]
Available at: https://labourdept.gov.lk/
[Accessed 24 04 2025].