THE Ministry of Labour‘s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department has commenced an investigation into a fatal workplace accident that occurred at a Norton Street construction site on Friday.

The deceased has been identified as 20-year-old Bryan Hardial of Lot 105, Covent Garden, East Bank Demerara.

According to the ministry, reports indicate that Hardial was in the process of raising a gutter to be installed towards the front of the third floor of the building under construction at Lot 27 Norton Street, when it came into contact with live electrical wires.

As a result, Hardial received an electrical shock and fell from the third floor to the ground.

He was reportedly not wearing any safety gear at the time of the accident.

Hardial was subsequently transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation by ambulance, where he later died.

OSH Officer, Neza King, is conducting the investigation which will entail additional visits to the accident site, and taking statements from eyewitnesses.

Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton has repeatedly stressed the importance of ensuring that safe and healthy conditions exist in workplaces and on worksites to facilitate the safe return of workers to their families at the end of the day.

Minister Hamilton has extended condolences to the families, friends, and co-workers of the deceased.