While the GPS bill is expected to take centre stage at the House of Assembly today, Government will also bringing two bills meant to improve the lot of Island workers.

The first will amend the workmen?s compensation act to bring it in line with international standards.

?It is designed to improve compensation for workers who may be injured on the job as a result of negligence by the employer and also in the event of an occupational disease that is caused on the job,? said Government Whip Ottiwell Simmons.

And legislators will also debate changes to the Health and Safety at Work Act to bring that legislation in line with social and technological changes in the workplace.

The changes are designed to usher in better protection for employees against dangers in the workplace, protection from unjust disciplinary action, and the mandatory investigation of accidents with reports submitted to the Minister.

Employees will have the right to refuse work which they believe presents a serious danger to health or life ? unless such dangers are an inherent part of the job description.

The bill also recommends stiffer penalties for those breaking the law. Anyone convicted of violating the Act, knowing that an employee could be injured or killed as a result, faces up to a $1 million fine and/or a two-year prison term.

Parliament will also consider purchasing White Hill Field, in Sandys, and will finalise the Health Council bill which was debated last week.

The Bermuda Health Council Act was found to contain unclear drafting and it was agreed to postpone its third reading for a week.