Gafoors freak accident: Health, safety national concern that must be addressed together – Labour Minister

One week after a woman was killed in a freak accident at the Gafoors Manufacturing Complex at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara (EBD), the Labour Ministry is continuing its investigation to determine if was avoidable.
Speaking during a media engagement, Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton shared that the company has been cooperating to complete the probe. As of now, information is still being gathered, after which technical officers will make an assessment of the incident.

“An investigation is in process. The company has been cooperating from day one. There are some procedural things that they have to do. They have to report the accident, fill up several forms and the investigation is continuing. It has not been concluded because we’re still gathering information. It was a tragedy that we have to review, whether it could have been avoided. My technical people who were on the site would advise me regarding that matter,” Hamilton explained.
Cindy Jattan of Grove, EBD, lost her life during the tragic accident. Initial reports stated that the woman was allegedly sitting under a rack when it suddenly fell on her, causing her to receive injuries. It took some time for persons to come to her assistance and remove her from the debris.
She was picked up and rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre but reportedly died before reaching the medical facility. She was pronounced dead on arrival.
Commenting on health and safety, the Minister expressed that it is a topic that should be extended beyond workplaces and into homes, where items such as gas cylinders are also major hazards.

“What I can say regarding the extension of the health and safety matter is that as Guyanese, we have to change our culture and attitude to the matter. Health and safety in Guyana is a national matter that we have to address together. It is not just an employer-employee matter. It is for us who take things for granted because it has never happened,” he positioned.
Earlier this year, the complement of labour officers was increased to 28 for enhanced monitoring for compliance. The labour laws were also being revised by a joint legal committee. After the revision of legislation for the labour sector, Minister Hamilton had contended that employers found in breach of the laws would be slapped with hefty fines for failure to meet the country’s regulations for their employees.
As it stands, the fines for breaches are somewhat meagre, he had opined. (G12)