A forklift operator attached to the Alya Construction Company was on Wednesday crushed to death after the machine he was operating toppled. The dead man has been identified as Colin Joseph, 20, of Wisroc Housing Scheme, Wismar, Linden.
Reports indicate that Joseph was part of the team that is currently working on the Linden to Mabura road project.
Dead: Colin Joseph
Following the incident, the Labour Ministry has initiated an investigation into the fatal incident, which occurred at the Omai Port in Wismar, Upper Demerara River, Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
Preliminary investigation revealed that Joseph and a colleague were operating a forklift to load raw materials and transport wood spoil when the machine became lodged in the sand.
Seeking assistance from truck drivers, Joseph attempted to dislodge the forklift, but tragically, the machine began to tip over. In a desperate attempt to escape harm, Joseph leaps from the forklift, only to be struck by the falling machinery. He sustained injuries to his back and neck.
Despite receiving immediate medical attention from the company’s doctor, Joseph succumbed to his injuries while on his way to the Linden Hospital Complex.
Minister of Labour, Honourable Joseph Hamilton, expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing safety and health practices in the workplace to prevent similar tragedies.
“Investigations into the incident are ongoing,” assured Minister Hamilton,
Only a few days ago, the Labour Ministry held a one-day seminar aimed at improving awareness and compliance with labour legislation following the recent workplace deaths of Domindra Narayan, Lennox McPherson, Trevor Jones, and Rusbel Azocar.
The event hosted at the Regency Suites Hotel in Georgetown saw the participation of 115 individuals from various public and private sector entities. The seminar, chaired by Chief Labour Officer Dhaneshwar Deonarine, focused on crucial labour-related topics such as national minimum wage, probationary periods, workplace safety, and child labour.
During the event, Minister Hamilton stressed the importance of adherence to labour laws and highlighted the ministry’s efforts in training workers and ensuring their welfare. He urged collaboration between companies and the ministry to ensure compliance with regulations.
The event occurred against the backdrop of recent workplace fatalities, including four deaths in the first week of February.
