The Ministry of the Public Service launched on Monday, under the theme "Workplace Stress, a Collective Challenge."

Work-related stress is generally acknowledged as a global issue, affecting workers both in developed and developing countries, the International Labour Organization states. As a result, there has been growing attention to the impact of psychosocial risks and work-related stress among researchers and policymakers.

The activities planned for Occupational Safety and Health Week, covers a multitude of work related issues.

“Several activities, programs, seminars and workshops will be held this week, which I am confident will go a long way to help public officers become more aware of workplace stress, and the actions and interventions we can take to help address it," Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of the Public Service, Phillip Dalsou, said. "This marks the 4th year that we have observed Occupational Safety and Health Week, and I am of the view that every year the event has improved. This year, given the range of activities programs and workshops planned, I am expecting an even bigger improvement.”

All workers are being encouraged to participate.

“The highlight of the observation is a health fair on Thursday at the Greaham Louisy car park. Services include blood sugar and blood pressue, visual and dental screening, hearing tests, rapid AIDS tests, influenza vaccinations and nutritional information. In addition there will be fitness sessions, bomb threat simulation excercises, and workshops and seminars. The fair begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m.

Occupational Safety and Health Week will be observed in Saint Lucia from July 4 - 8. The official launch was held at the Public Service Training Institute in Union.