GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC—Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton expressed concern on Tuesday at the increase in work-related deaths, primarily in the mining and construction sectors, in 2024.
Hamilton told a news conference that there had been a 60 percent increase in labor deaths, with a total of 32 being recorded, and expressed disappointment that despite all of the measures being taken to avoid such deaths, an increase had still been reported in 2024.
“With all that we have done in 2024, 32 persons lost their lives in workplaces, primarily in mining and construction. That is where most of the deaths are happening,” Hamilton said, suggesting that more training is needed in the mining districts, especially as the deaths are not only a direct result of the accident but because of how they are handled and cared for afterward.
According to figures released here, last year, the ministry received 543 accident reports, of which 176 were investigated. The majority of the non-fatal accidents continued to occur in the agricultural sector.
The ministry reported a five percent decline in non-fatal accidents. Hamilton said both employers and employees had been found to be culpable, explaining that some employees fail to adhere to essential Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) measures, including wearing protective gear.
He said that health and safety issues are not restricted to the workplace, noting that the explosion of gas bottles in residences has now become a new trend.
“For the period under review, the Occupational Safety and Health Department continued its efforts to improve working conditions and the environment in Guyana, emphasizing prevention rather than cure,” Hamilton told reporters.
In other cases, persons were found to have resorted to operating or raiding mining pits at night, resulting in deaths and injuries. Hamilton said the Labour Ministry has been engaging in extensive training and sensitization exercises in workplaces across Guyana with the hope of changing the “don’t give a damn” kind of attitude and culture, particularly in the mining and construction sectors.
“If you go into the mining districts, it is not easy. We have done a lot of work and sensitization. We have gone in there with flyers and spent days with them. Officers have gone to the camps, stayed there, had conversations with them, and spoken to them about mining practices.
“We have a joint technical committee with GGMC (Guyana Geology and Mines Commission) and the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association, but I don’t think any country has worked out how you deal with [this]. Medium miners, big miners are not your issue; the issue in all jurisdictions is the small miners,” he added.
However, he told reporters that the Labour Ministry would continue to work with key stakeholders to reduce the number of workplace deaths and injuries.
The Labour Ministry also intends to launch a media campaign to raise awareness of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) measures to be adopted and best practices in mining and construction, among other sectors, including agriculture.
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