Workers under 25 more vulnerable to accidents – Scott

…calls for programmes to sensitise workers

Minister within the Social Protection Ministry, Keith Scott has stated that various surveys conducted by the ministry indicated that young persons who are under the age of 25 are more susceptible to injuries at the workplace.

This statement was made on Friday, when the Minister indicated that the key reason for this was the fact that these employees do not possess adequate experience, which would alert them to dangerous practices.
“Within the rim of occupation and employment of young workers – which we consider to between the ages of 15 to 24 – is the available statistics and it shows that that area of youth are more vulnerable. They are much more exposed than the mature counterparts to occupational accidents and occupational diseases,” he said.
However, Minister Scott noted that measures must be put in place to prevent these accidents, and the safety of young employees must not be jeopardised, especially those who work in perilous environments.
“Attention must be paid to the health and safety of young workers who comprise a significant percentage of our population and our workforce,” the Minister stated.
“The report on our most recent population and housing census shows that youth constitutes almost 20 per cent of the population. By any standards, that is not a group which should be treated lightly. They comprise the future of our nation and must be nurtured and protected at all costs,” he added.
Additionally, Minister Scott has called for the establishment of formal programmes to educate employees on various practices which they should always follow when on the job. Furthermore, experienced employees should be tasked with the responsibility to ensure that the younger persons are following company guidelines and regulations. This, he said, will reduce the number of workplace hazards and accidents from a general standpoint.
“There is need for policies and programmes [to be] put in place to educate, sensitise and protect them from the risk and dangers associated with work,” Scott insisted.
Recently, the management of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) modified the company’s occupational outfits by incorporating reflective equipment. This is in light of the fact that employees expressed their disagreement with wearing the mandatory reflective safety vest.
Minister Scott, in his final remarks, stated that the attention being placed on workers’ safety should be amplified this month, since World Day for Safety and Health at work will be celebrated on April 28. Additionally, the entire month of April is dedicated towards this observance.