Labour Ministry launches investigation into miner’s death

– 3 mining operations ordered to cease work

The Labour Ministry’s Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) Department has initiated an investigation into the tragic accident that occurred on August, 29 at ‘Ms June’ Landing, Puruni River, Gold Mining District No 4, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
The accident resulted in the death of 17-year-old miner Anthony Richard of Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).
The Ministry in a statement announced that Naipaul Persaud, 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, Richard and three other workers were working in a mining pit owned by Lorine Alfred, when the land above them collapsed and fell into the pit where the workers were working.
The workers rushed out of the mining pit but Richard was trapped, so the workers called for assistance from other nearby miners. A rescue operation was launched, and using land dredges, the motionless body of Richard was recovered.
The body was taken to the Puruni Health Post, where he was pronounced dead by a doctor on duty. His body was later examined, and several abrasions on his left leg were observed.
Following this, three nearby mining pit operations were issued a “Cease Work and Removal Order” notice following a collaborative inspection to see whether proper mining practices were being followed.
“The OSH Department intends to conduct follow-up inspections within three weeks to ensure that employers comply with the recommendations provided to establish a safe and healthy working environment,” the release stated.
Investigations are ongoing.