Sri Lanka, Feb. 10 -- An Occupational Safety Conference is being held with the objective of preventing workplace accidents and occupational diseases, which are estimated to cost nearly four percent of the national economy, while promoting higher productivity and safer, healthier working environments.

Labour Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando said the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) continues to play a key role in strengthening occupational safety and health standards across all workplaces, including factories and construction sites throughout the island.

He said NIOSH conducts short-term awareness programmes to improve occupational safety and health knowledge among employers and employees, while also carryi...