Amman, April 28 (Petra) - Minister of Labor Khalid Al-Bakkar inaugurated the 20th National Occupational Safety and Health Week on Tuesday, themed "Safety is Our Path to a Secure Workplace." The week-long series of events, running until May 4, aims to institutionalize a culture of prevention and align Jordan’s labor market with the national Economic Modernization Vision.

During the launch, Al-Bakkar emphasized that occupational safety is a cornerstone of a competitive and sustainable economy. He noted that the initiative precedes International Workers' Day, serving as a tribute to the Jordanian workforce. Al-Bakkar stated that safety measures are not merely legislative obligations but a "shared responsibility" between the government, the private sector, and civil society to protect human capital - Jordan's most valuable resource.

Key representatives from the labor and industrial sectors underscored the economic benefits of safety. Mohammad Al-Jitan, Vice President of the Jordan Chamber of Industry, noted that investment in safety directly correlates with reduced workplace injuries and increased institutional longevity. Khaled Al-Fanatseh, President of the General Federation of Jordanian Trade Unions, added that high-level management commitment is vital for establishing organized and effective health management systems that ensure employee well-being.

The event also featured international cooperation, with Jeanette Burmester from the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) highlighting their support in aligning international expertise with Jordanian priorities to create resilient labor environments.

To commemorate the occasion, the Ministry of Labor issued a special postage stamp dedicated to the World Day for Safety and Health at Work. The ceremony was attended by senior officials, including the Director-General of the Social Security Corporation and the Director-General of the Vocational Training Corporation.

//Petra// AA