Surge in workplace accidents triggers Labour Ministry inspections

Following a surge in workplace accidents over the past few months, the Labour Ministry has ramped up its inspection efforts to ensure compliance with occupational safety regulations.
A two-day inspection outreach was conducted at multiple construction sites last week along Eping Avenue and Lamaha Street, Georgetown, under the leadership of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Officer, Ray Hosannah.
The outreach is part of the ministry’s initiative to intensify oversight in the construction, restaurant, and business services sectors. Accompanying Hosannah were Shadae David and Joel Mentore, work-study students from the University of Guyana (UG), who assisted in the inspections.
The inspection team scrutinised the construction sites to ensure compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act, Chapter 99:06. They checked for the implementation of safety mechanisms, the provision of hygienic restroom facilities, and other essential OSH practices.

Additionally, the team engaged directly with construction workers, providing guidance on proper safety protocols, accident prevention, fall protection, and the importance of reporting workplace hazards.
Management at the inspected sites received a detailed list of recommendations aimed at improving safety standards and were given a one-month grace period to rectify any identified breaches in accordance with the OSH Act.
The Labour Ministry’s OSH Department has emphasised its commitment to continuous engagement with the construction sector through sensitisation sessions, safety talks, brochures, and other forms of outreach.

According to the ministry, it has also reiterated the powers vested in OSH officers, which include the authority to enter, inspect, and examine any industrial establishment at any time. During inspections, OSH officers will review key documents such as the Accident Register, OSH Policy, and HIV/AIDS Policy, ensuring they are properly displayed in the workplace. They will also inspect the adequacy of first aid kits, fire extinguishers, potable drinking water, housekeeping standards, and washroom facilities for both genders.
The increased inspections are a crucial step towards mitigating workplace accidents and ensuring that all employees operate in a secure and compliant environment.
The most recent industrial accident in Georgetown occurred less than a month ago and claimed the life of Bryan Hardilall, a 19-year-old porter of Covent Garden, East Bank Demerara.

It was reported that the young man died after being electrocuted and falling from a three-story construction site on Norton Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown.
In March the department launched an investigation into the death of a Pritipaul Singh Investments’ worker.
Ravichandra Seemangal succumbed three days after the incident occurred on March 13.
Reports were that Seemangal was riding his bicycle while a tele hoist operator was reversing the vehicle and hoist collided with him.
In 2023, the Labour Ministry recorded a total of 20 occupational deaths due to accidents in the mining, construction, agriculture and manufacturing sectors.
Additionally, the ministry recorded 175 non-fatal accidents that were investigated out of the 577 reports received in 2023. Most of these reports emanated from the agriculture and manufacturing sectors.