President-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has called on the Parliament to expedite its work on the Occupational Safety and Health Bill. He made the call in a statement following a gas cylinder explosion in Makunudhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, which killed two people.
In the statement, President-elect Muizzu said he was deeply saddened to hear of the tragic incident, noting that it was similar to a gas cylinder explosion at Kulhudhuffushi Airport which injured several individuals. He called on the relevant authorities to investigate the cause of the two incidents and take steps to prevent such tragic incidents from happening again. He also urged everyone to take responsibility for reducing such incidents and ensuring the safety of workers and called on the Parliament to expedite the Occupational Safety and Health Bill.
The Occupational Safety and Health Bill was proposed on behalf of the government in November 2022 and is under review by the Parliamentary Committee on Social Affairs. The bill aims to ensure the safety of employees at work and a fair work environment and enables fines to be imposed on employers for unsafe workplaces and for workers to receive compensation for injuries sustained at work.