Dallas Sharples, a 63-year-old dock worker, tragically lost his life in a workplace accident at the John Fernandes Limited (JFL) Wharf, Water Street, Georgetown, on Thursday.
According to reports, Sharples was reportedly assisting with the offloading of containers from the vessel MV JPO Aquila, when the incident occurred.
Following the incident, the Ministry of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department has since launched an investigation.
According to the report, Senior OSH Officer Garrway Bourne and OSH Officer Ray Hosannah visited the site to examine the circumstances of the accident and to develop recommendations aimed at preventing similar tragedies.
Labour Minister, Joseph Hamilton extended condolences to Sharples’ family, colleagues, and friends while urging employers and workers to prioritise safety to prevent further loss of life. The investigation is ongoing.
Dead: Dallas Sharples
In 2024, Guyana experienced a significant increase in workplace fatalities, with 32 deaths reported compared to 20 in 2023, marking a 60 per cent rise. These incidents occurred mainly in the mining and construction sectors, despite the Labour Ministry’s ongoing efforts to improve workplace safety.
Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton, acknowledged the concerning trend during a press conference, highlighting the Ministry’s commitment to reducing such tragedies.
The OSH Department, created to address workplace accidents, conducted over 1,300 inspections in 2024, with 673 targeting high-risk workplaces. This represents a 68 per cent increase in high-risk inspections compared to previous years.
Offshore inspections of drill ships and Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) units were also introduced, with nearly a dozen officers trained for these specialised tasks. In 2024, the Ministry conducted nine offshore inspections, marking significant progress in addressing safety concerns within the oil and gas sector.
Non-fatal workplace accidents decreased by 5 per cent, with 144 cases investigated, primarily in agriculture. While this decline is promising, the rise in fatalities remains a pressing issue.
To address compliance, the Ministry conducted a two-day inspection outreach in June 2024, targeting construction sites. Inspectors ensured adherence to the OSH Act, focusing on safety mechanisms, hygienic facilities, and proper protocols.
Construction site managers received detailed recommendations and a one-month period to rectify safety breaches. Through these initiatives, the Ministry aims to strengthen safety standards and reduce workplace risks.
Despite challenges, the Labour Ministry continues to prioritise the well-being of workers across all sectors.
