Members of Reg 10 construction sector benefit from safety training

In a bid to enhance safety and health measures within the construction industry, several construction firms and agencies from both private and public sectors in Linden participated in a crucial educational seminar on Tuesday.
This event, held at Watooka Guest House, marks the second seminar of its kind this year and was organised by the Ministry of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department.
The inaugural seminar for 2024 took place at the Regency Hotel Suites, drawing 20 representatives from various organisations.
Attendees included subject minister Joseph Hamilton; Consultant of the OSH Department, Gweneth King; Head of the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency, Yolanda Grant; Regional Executive Officer (REO), Dwight John; and other regional officials.

In his keynote address, Hamilton emphasised the critical need for a cultural shift in safety practices, aligning with the government’s commitment to safeguarding workers’ rights and well-being. He stressed that as a developing nation, Guyana faces higher risks, making it imperative to prioritise safety to prevent fatalities.
“We must change our approach because, as a developing country, our risk levels are higher. Ignoring safety leads to more fatalities,” he asserted.
He further underscored that ensuring every worker can return home safely is a fundamental goal, advocating for safety and health as a cultural priority rather than merely an obligation.
The minister also highlighted that each statistic in the OSH reports represents a real person—a family member lost, which the Ministry views with grave concern. He called for immediate and effective changes to improve safety standards across all sectors.

OSH Department Consultant, Gweneth King echoed the Minister’s sentiments, pointing out that there have been 27 fatalities in the construction sector over the past four years, with figures fluctuating each year. This seminar was deemed crucial for fostering safe and healthy workplace practices and adhering to the OSH Act Chapter 99:06, emphasising preventative measures and over-reactive solutions.
“The construction industry, in particular, poses significant risks, which can be mitigated by employing health and safety officers,” King noted.
She compared the construction sector’s fatality rate with that of the mining sector and urged companies to invest in education and preventive measures, emphasising that such efforts are both cost-effective and lifesaving.
This seminar represents a critical step toward improving safety practices in the construction industry, demonstrating a collaborative effort between the Ministry and industry stakeholders to promote a safer working environment.