THE Ministry of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department is investigating a workplace fatality that occurred at Ms. June Landing, Puruni River, Gold Mining District No. 4, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

The incident occurred, around 15:30 hours on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, when 17-year-old Anthony Richard and three other workers were working in a mining pit owned by Ms. Lorine Alfred.

Reports are that the land above them collapsed and fell into the pit where the workers were working.
The workers rushed out of the mining pit, but Richard was trapped, so his colleagues called for assistance from other nearby miners. A rescue operation was launched, and using land dredges, the motionless body of Richard was recovered at 8:30 hours.

Richard’s body was taken to the Puruni Health Post, where he was pronounced dead by a doctor on duty. His body was later examined, and several abrasions were observed on his left leg.
Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Officer, Naipaul Persaud visited the worksite where the accident occurred, and began investigations in collaboration with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) officials.

Following this, three nearby mining pit operations were issued a “cease work and removal order” notice following a collaborative inspection to see whether proper mining practices were being followed.

The OSH department intends to conduct follow-up inspections within three weeks to ensure that employers comply with the recommendations provided to establish a safe and healthy working environment.

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton extended heartfelt sympathy to the grieving relatives, co-workers and friends of the deceased.
He also took the opportunity to remind both employers and workers of the importance and need for good safety and health practices in the workplace, in order to avoid similar incidents/accidents which could result in the loss of lives.