THE National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH), on Friday, awarded 12 companies and some of their employees for their outstanding work.

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, in his address during the NACOSH Awards Ceremony emphasised the importance of paying attention to safety and health in the workplace.
He said that while some progress has been made with sensitisation, there is still much work to be done.

In providing a statical breakdown, he revealed that during 2020, some 32 persons would have lost their lives due to accidents in the workplace. However, in 2021, that figure reduced slightly to 27.

Minister Hamilton disclosed that for 2022, the figure decreased to 21.

While acknowledging the decline in workplace deaths, he pointed out that 21 is still too many.

According to the minister, work is being done with a public relations and communications consultant to develop a strategy to extend and expand the OHS conversations.

Additionally, the Chairman of NACOSH, Earl Morris, in his welcoming speech noted how important these awards were to local companies. He said that it celebrates the outstanding achievements of the organisations and individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to ensuring the health and safety of employees.

“Safety is not just a rule, or set of rules and regulations that they have to follow. It is a way of life, a culture that needs to be instilled. The organisations and individuals being honoured here this afternoon, have not only recognised the importance of safety, but have also made it a programme of their operation and practice.”

Morris further congratulated the awardees and encouraged them to continue their journey in ensuring OHS is observed.

Notably, a representative of the Public Sector Commission (PSC), Komal Singh, shared briefly that the commission considers safety as a critical component in every single operation.
He called on both companies and employees of companies to take note of the many forms of OHS requirements for a safe environment in the workplace.

The workplace winner award went to Saipem Guyana Inc. Offshore Construction Facility, while Guyana Shore Base Inc. (GYBSI) and Demerara Shipping Company Limited were declared runners-up.

The top award for Regions Three, Four, Five and 10 was given to Guyana Industrial Minerals Inc., Saipem Guyana Inc., Offshore Construction, Berbice Bridge Company Inc., and Linden Hospital Complex respectively.

In the ‘Best by Sector’ category, Saipem Guyana Inc. Offshore Construction Facility; Guyana Industrial Minerals Inc.; Linden Hospital Complex; Sterling Products Limited; Cevons Waste Management and Demerara Shipping Company Limited, were declared winners.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) winner was Marvin Jackson of Guyana Industrial Minerals Inc.

The ‘Young Worker’ winner and runners-up were Kwesi Veshon Roberts of Guyana Shore Base Inc.; Farouk Bacchus of Schlumberger Guyana Inc. and Tommy Stevens of Guyana Shore Base Inc.

In the ‘Individual’ category, the winner and runners-up were Allan Lambert, Guyana Shore Base Inc.; Carl DeSouza, Schlumberger Guyana Inc. and Jenelley Duncan, Banks DIH Limited.
In the ‘Joint Workplace Safety and Health Committee’ category, Guyana Industrial Minerals Inc., Linden Hospital Complex and Guyana Power and Light Inc. walked away with the top award.