Blog Article

Workplace accidents remain a significant concern in Sri Lanka’s construction, manufacturing, and food industries. To strengthen protection, the government has introduced new guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Committees. These committees are designed to ensure that both employers and employees actively participate in identifying risks, recommending improvements, and enforcing higher standards of safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE).

An OSH Committee is not just a formality. It creates a platform for monitoring whether workers are properly equipped with personal safety equipment such as safety shoes, safety jackets, gloves, goggles, harnesses, and safety belts. With the new guidelines, businesses must prove that their industrial safety equipment meets local SLSI or international standards, rather than depending on cheap, uncertified imports. This directly reduces the circulation of substandard protective equipment in the Sri Lankan market.

Another impact is on procurement. Employers will be encouraged to source reliable PPE kits, personal protective wear, and personal protection kits that provide real protection against hazards such as chemical splashes, heavy machinery accidents, and fire risks. The guidelines also emphasize training — reminding employees that “safety first” is not just a slogan, but a practice backed by proper gear.

For businesses, this change is both a compliance requirement and a chance to lead. Companies that invest in genuine safety equipment and PPE will reduce accident rates, avoid compensation claims, and build a reputation as responsible employers. For suppliers, demand for durable PPE equipment, ppe protection, and certified products will increase as audits become stricter.

In short, the new OSH Committee guidelines will raise the bar for workplace safety. By prioritizing high-quality safety and equipment, Sri Lanka can move toward safer, more productive industries where every worker is genuinely protected.