Labour Ministry completes probe into fatal Aurora Gold Mine accident
– to make recommendations shortly based on findings
The Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department of the Labour Ministry has completed its investigation into the fatal accident at Aurora Gold Mine (AGM) Inc, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
The accident which involved two trucks on November 18, claimed the life of 47-year-old Joseph Licorish of West Watooka, Wismar, Linden.
The accident scene and deceased worker, Joseph Licorish
On Monday, the Ministry stated that the Occupational Safety and Health Officer with responsibility for Region Seven, Naipaul Persaud, conducted the investigation to determine the causes of the accident and to provide the company with recommendations to prevent future recurrences.
To that aim, he evaluated the accident scene as well as the trucks, verified maintenance records, obtained statements from eyewitnesses and checked with the maintenance department regarding the standard operational procedures.
“Additionally, maintenance workers as well as truck drivers and operators were given accident prevention training, as part of the investigative process. They were also sensitised on the importance of safe work practices,” said the Ministry.
An inspection carried out at the site by Labour Ministry officials
The OSH Department is currently conducting an analysis of the information obtained with the aim of making recommendations to prevent similar recurrences.
It was reported that the trucks were working when they collided with each other. Preliminary investigations revealed that both vehicles were fully loaded with stones in the tray, and motor lorry TL 001, while descending a hill in the vicinity of an open mining pit area, collided with motor lorry TL 19, which was proceeding in the opposite direction.
At the time of the collision, the lorries were negotiating a slight bend in the road.
The Police have said the impact of the collision caused the cabin of Licorish’s lorry to become dislodged, and it pinned the driver inside. The injured Licorish was pulled from the cabin by other workers and taken to the Aurora Health Centre, where he was pronounced dead.
Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton continues to express his concern about workplace fatalities and once again encourages workers and employers to make a special effort to work together to ensure that a safe and healthy working environment is promoted and maintained in all workplaces.
