A total of 39 persons died in 2020 and more than 300 were injured as a result of workplace accidents, according to Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton.
He made this revelation on Thursday while delivering the feature address at the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Committee Training Programme for staff members of the Supreme Court of Judicature.
Minister Hamilton, in his remarks, outlined the need for more OSH sensitisation. This, he pointed out, will decrease the number of workplace deaths that have been occurring over the years. He noted that some persons injured at the worksite remain incapacitated to date.
“It’s not statistics we’re discussing people; it’s men in the prime of their life who had to leave five and six children for their wives to take care of. That cannot continue,” the Minister stressed.
Shortly after the PPP Government assumed office last year, Minister Hamilton pointed out that under his tenure, Guyana will be aiming for zero workplace accidents.
He assured that the Labour Ministry will be collaborating with relevant partners to ensure that there are safe worksites where persons do not only look out for themselves but also their co-workers.
Over the years, the mining sector has been recording the highest number of fatalities. The majority of deaths in this sector occurred after mining pits caved in on workers.
