One of the most important factors of Occupational Safety and Health is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which includes gloves, helmets, safety boots and other items. As we continue to observe Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Month 2024, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards turns its focus on the National Standard – GYS 563:2020 – Requirements for Industrial Safety Helmets. This standard was developed with the primary intention on protecting workers from head injuries.
Industrial safety helmets serve as a crucial line of defence against head injuries in the workplace, particularly in high-risk sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and mining. Recognising their significance, this National Standard was developed by the Technical Committee (TC10) – Personal Safety, Protective Clothing and Equipment to ensure the quality and performance of these helmets, thereby safeguarding the lives of workers.
The National Standard specifies physical and performance requirements, methods of testing and marking requirements for industrial safety helmets. Additionally, the standard encompasses various criteria, including impact resistance, stability, and retention systems. Helmets that meet these criteria undergo rigorous testing to ensure compliance.
During OSH Month, the GNBS is actively creating awareness and promoting adherence to this and other related standards among employees, workers, and other industry stakeholders. Through social media posts, awareness sessions, and articles, the Bureau aims to educate the workforce about the importance of wearing certified safety helmets and the potential risks associated with non-compliance. As such, interested employers are urged to ensure helmets in use on their worksites conform to the requirements of the GYS 563 Standard.
Meanwhile, with motorcycles being a common mode of transportation in Guyana and head injuries ranking among the leading causes of fatalities and severe injuries in road accidents, the GNBS monitors Road Safety helmets in accordance with the National Standard GYS 9-17:2004 “labelling of commodities – Part 17: Labelling of protective helmets for road users.” A comprehensive monitoring and inspection regime is employed by the Product Compliance Department of the GNBS to ensure that Road Safety helmets used by motorcyclists and other road users meet the specified requirements prior to sale.
Once they are found to be in compliance, road users’ helmets that meet the requirements are released for sale. The monitoring of these protective helmets by the GNBS provides road users with the assurance of quality and effectiveness.
In light of the theme for OSH Month this year, “Ensuring Safe and Healthy Work Now in a Changing Climate,” the GNBS reaffirms its commitment to promoting occupational safety and health in a rapidly evolving world. By adhering to established Safety Standards, businesses can mitigate risks, protect workers’ well-being, and create safer work environments for all.
The GNBS urges employers and workers alike to prioritize safety by adhering to established standards and regulations. Together, we can build a culture of safety consciousness and ensure the well-being of every worker in Guyana’s workforce.
For more information, contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0064-66 or WhatsApp: 692-4627. You can also visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org
