Labour Ministry Raises Safety Concerns in Puruni Mining District

Labour Ministry Raises Safety Concerns in Puruni Mining District

Labour Ministry Raises Safety Concerns in Puruni Mining District

During an awareness exercise conducted on Wednesday in the Puruni Mining District of Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), the Occupational Safety and Health Department of the Ministry of Labour identified safety deficiencies in two mining operations.

Inspectors visited five operations at Million Mountain and Ms June mining areas, where they observed and flagged various hazards and defects. Notices were issued to two of the operations, highlighting concerns such as inadequate entry and exit points in mining pits, excessive overburden, debris accumulation, and dangerously high pit faces.

In addition to identifying risks, the officers provided guidance on emergency response procedures and emphasized the importance of proper housekeeping, water sources, and sanitation in the mining environment. These efforts were part of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Month activities, which included mine inspections, safety talks, emergency response training, and distribution of treated mosquito nets to prevent vector-borne diseases among workers.

Throughout the initiative, a total of 88 workers, including five females, were engaged to raise awareness about prevalent health and safety challenges in the extractive industry.

The Ministry’s Occupational Safety and Health Department has been actively investigating industrial accidents in recent weeks. In March, a mechanic named Ravichandra Seemangal tragically lost his life in a collision while riding his bicycle at Pritipaul Singh Investments in Providence, East Bank Demerara. Earlier that month, a fatal accident occurred due to land caving at Cowing Backdam in Upper Mazaruni River, resulting in the death of Bertram Willie, a dredge owner from Wisroc Housing Scheme in Linden.

The Ministry also noted a catastrophic boiler explosion at Hack Rice Mill in Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice, which gravely injured three individuals. In 2023, a total of 20 occupational deaths were recorded, with nine in the mining sector in Region Seven and six in the construction sector. Additionally, the Ministry investigated 175 non-fatal accidents out of 577 reports received, mostly from the agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

Farmer Remanded for Attempted Murder in Essequibo Coast

In light of these incidents, the Ministry underscores its ongoing concern over workplace safety and the need for continued efforts to prevent accidents and protect workers.

Bus Operator Charged with Damaging Rear View Mirrors Appears in Court