GT construction site accident: Labour Ministry launches probe into labourer’s death

The Labour Ministry’s Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) Department has initiated an investigation into the tragic accident that occurred on Tuesday last at a construction site located at Lot 134 Sheriff Street, Campbellville, Georgetown.
The accident resulted in the death of Kevin [only name given], a construction worker of Sophia, Greater Georgetown. However, the Police have not issued a statement on the accident, and the man’s full name has not been provided.
In a statement released last week, the Ministry announced that Darwin Bourne, an officer attached to the Labour Ministry’s OSH Department, has been assigned to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.
Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton has reiterated his commitment to ensuring safe working conditions for all workers, irrespective of the industry. He firmly believes that work-related fatalities are unacceptable and vowed to address unsafe work practices and workplace conditions through comprehensive inspections across construction sites and other workplaces.
“The Minister extends his condolences to the bereaved friends and family of the deceased and assures a thorough investigation to uncover the answers to lingering questions. Ongoing investigations aim to determine the cause of the incident to prevent similar occurrences in the future,” stated the release.
On the day of the accident, one of the deceased man’s colleagues, Jason, shared with this publication that they had been working at the construction site for approximately seven months. Just moments before the accident, Jason had briefly left his friend to purchase a drink when he heard a loud impact and hurried back to the site.
“I went downstairs to buy two XL for myself, and when I came back, I saw the entire building collapse. I looked down and saw my partner falling as the building caved in, and a beam fell on him, causing his death,” recounted Jason.
He expressed shock over the accident, emphasising that none of them anticipated such a tragic turn of events. Jason clarified that the accident was unrelated to the employer and solely due to the building’s collapse. He stated, “This could have happened to any one of us.”
Preliminary information suggests that a heavy concrete beam became dislodged and plummeted to the ground, fatally striking Kevin.
Emergency services promptly responded to the distress call but sadly pronounced the construction worker dead at the scene. An in-depth investigation will be conducted to ascertain the exact cause of the accident. (G9)