– companies are required to be compliant with safety regulations, says Persaud
AGRICULTURE Minister Robert Persaud, in an invited comment, stressed that companies are required to be compliant with occupational health and safety regulations.
His comments followed the recent incident at Caricom Rice Mills Limited (CRML), Anna Regina, Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam), where an operator lost his right hand while cleaning a paddy drier.
Reports are that Mr. Toolsie Ram, in his late 40s, on Sunday lost his hand when the paddy drier machine manfunctioned.
Yesterday, Ram, the sole breadwinner for his family, was still a patient at the Suddie Hospital.
Persaud noted that the Guyana Rice Development Board and the Ministry of Labour’s Occupational Health and Safety department are investigating the incident.
“Management of the company has been asked to provide a report,” he said.
The minister stressed that all efforts must be made to ensure that the injured employee receives the required medical attention.
Attempts to contact the management of CRML yesterday were unsuccessful.
CRML is a major rice producing entity, operating since 1990 as a subsidiary of the Eastern Caribbean Group of Companies (ECGC). The mill provides employment for more than 130 residents in Region Two.

Labour Minister Manzoor Nadir, earlier this year, announced that where breaches are found in Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, citations will be issued immediately and those who refuse to comply will be prosecuted.
He observed that no amount of monetary compensation is adequate for the loss of life or limb, and therefore any breach of the law would be treated seriously.

He contends that the welfare of employees is significant and so it is important that businesses are made aware of labour, occupation and health and safety laws.
The Chief Occupational Health and Safety committee has been working towards ensuring standards and safety practices are strictly adhered to.
Labour inspections are conducted countrywide by the ministry’s labour, occupational health and safety officers, with the aim of ensuring that businesses comply with labour laws. All labour officers have the authority to enter and inspect any business, to ensure compliance with the laws.