Govt reviewing “antiquated” health, safety regulations – AG

Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall has announced that the Government is undertaking a comprehensive overhaul of its health and safety regulations to ensure they keep pace with the rapid transformation of workplaces across all sectors nationwide.
“We are currently reviewing the health and safety regulations of Guyana. The health and safety regulations or regulatory framework of Guyana are wholly antiquated and old and require an overhaul and modernisation,” he said during his programme Issues in the News on Tuesday.
According to Nandlall, this undertaking is much needed in light of the rapidly changing work environments countrywide.
“Over the last five to six years, there has even been a greater transformation, and the regulatory framework that existed before this unprecedented construction boom and economic boom that we are enjoying cannot regulate effectively and efficiently what is taking place now,” he explained.
“And if you think about it, you will see what I’m speaking about. We never had the size or the magnitude of construction that is taking place”, he added.
Referring to major projects such as the new Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, Nandlall highlighted the modern types of equipment and practices being employed now in construction.
“Look at the equipment that is being used now in construction. We never had an oil and gas sector before. We now have a large oil and gas sector. So, the regulatory framework that existed dating back to the 50s and 60s can’t effectively regulate in the best interest of the welfare of everyone. Contractors, employers, employees, and other persons in close proximity are all going to be affected or are all exposed to the perils of an inadequate system,” Nandlall noted.
This initiative is being undertaken by the Labour and Manpower Planning Ministry with support from the AG’s Chambers.
A few years ago, the then Labour Minister, Joseph Hamilton, had cited the need for more stringent penalties for persons who breach the occupational health and safety laws.
“Our legislation is not relevant to the times…our OSH legislation never envisioned oil and gas, so that also is a work in progress…we are engaged with the Attorney General’s Chambers to revamp and review this legislation…” Hamilton had noted in February 2024.
Thirteen workplace fatalities and 64 non-fatal incidents were recorded between January and April 2026, current Minister Keoma Griffith disclosed during the Occupational Safety and Health Symposium 2026 in April.