Guyana sees nearly 50% drop in non-fatal job-related incidents

Guyana has recorded a significant improvement in workplace safety, with non-fatal occupational incidents declining by nearly 50 per cent as the Labour and Manpower Planning Ministry continues efforts to strengthen occupational safety and health (OSH) standards nationwide. Labour and Manpower Planning Minister Keoma Griffith revealed the decline during the launch of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) Occupational Safety and Health Project, attributing the achievement to increased sensitisation, outreach, inspections and education across various sectors.
“During this period, more than 27,000 workers benefited from occupational safety and health inspections nationwide, strengthening prevention and workplace resilience. Building on this foundation, the Ministry has expanded offshore inspections, sector-specific training, workplace engagements, and outreach activities across all 10 administrative regions. These efforts have contributed to measurable improvements, including a 12.78 per cent decline in work-related fatalities and a near 50 per cent reduction in non-fatal incidents.”
Only recently, as part of its “Putting Safety First” campaign aimed at promoting safer workplaces, the OSH Department of the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning conducted an inspection visit to the Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project site, further expanding its workplace safety initiatives. Against this backdrop, Griffith said the achievements demonstrate the Government’s continued commitment to creating safer and healthier working environments across Guyana.
Meanwhile, he noted that significant progress has also been made in workplace inspections, with thousands of workers and workplaces being reached through increased monitoring, sensitisation, enforcement and compliance efforts.
“This project builds upon significant progress already achieved by the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning in strengthening occupational safety and health throughout Guyana. Over recent years, the Ministry has significantly expanded its occupational safety and health activities, conducting 6,186 occupational safety and health inspections across high-risk and low-risk sectors between 2020 and 2025. And I should add that we have already surpassed the indicator for 2026.”
The Minister said the continued expansion of inspections and workplace engagement reflects the Government’s commitment to improving occupational safety standards and fostering a stronger culture of prevention across the country.