What is the biggest problem facing workers in Barbados?

I have been an Occupational Health and Safety Professional for over a decade. In that time, I have found that one of the most significant categories of workplace hazards is often overlooked. It is a failure that has a ripple effect on the management of all other workplace hazards, negatively impacting productivity and the personal lives of workers. It is a matter of psychosocial hazards, which is also the focus of the 2026 World Day for Safety and Health at Work, which falls on April 28th annually.

What are psychosocial hazards?

According to the ILO, psychosocial risk factors are organisational factors that have an impact on the psychological safety and health of workers. These factors include the way work is carried out and the context in which work occurs. Psychosocial risk factors can affect workers’ mental responses to work and cause mental health problems.

Examples of psychosocial hazards are excessive workloads, unrealistic deadlines, bullying or harassment, lack of recognition, lack of role clarity, job insecurity, ethical conflict and unfair treatment.

The scale of the problem

Globally, the International Labour Organisation reports that psychosocial risk factors are responsible for more than 840,000 deaths annually due to associated cardiovascular diseases and mental disorders.

Closer to home, a survey conducted by Caribbean Safety Services in April 2026 revealed that 78.2% of respondents listed psychosocial hazards as one of the top 4 hazards that most impact workers in Barbados.

Further evidence is reflected in public discourse. An April 2026 video by employment lawyer and social activist Michelle Russell, titled “Our work practices are making us sick,” highlighted psychosocial risks and their link to increasing reports of high blood pressure among workers, drawing significant public engagement.

What meaningful change requires

In order for meaningful change to occur:

• There must be an acknowledgement that psychosocial hazards have real physical and operational consequences,
• creation of policies which set the right standards,
• training of persons at all levels on psychosocial risk factors and
• strict enforcement to ensure that policy moves into practice.

For more information or to get support for your organisation in the area of workplace safety, get in touch.