SEVERAL construction firms and agencies from both the private and public sectors in Linden took part in an educational seminar Tuesday, aimed at enhancing safety and health measures within the construction industry.
The event, hosted at the Watooka Guest House, was organised by the Ministry of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department and marked the second seminar of its kind this year.

The first seminar of 2024 was held at the Regency Hotel Suites, attracting 20 representatives from various organisations. Among those present at the session were Joseph Hamilton, Minister of Labour; Ms. Gweneth King, OSH Department Consultant; Ms. Yolanda Grant, Head of the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency; Regional Executive Officer Mr. Dwight John; and other key officials.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister Hamilton stressed the need for a cultural shift in safety practices, highlighting the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting workers’ rights and well-being.
He emphasised that as Guyana continues to develop, the risks to worker safety increase, making it critical to prioritise safety to prevent workplace fatalities.

“We must change our approach because, as a developing country, our risk levels are higher. Ignoring safety leads to more fatalities,” Minister Hamilton stated, adding that the government’s goal was to ensure every worker returns home safely. He urged that safety and health be regarded not merely as obligations but as essential components of the national culture.

The Minister also pointed out that the statistics in OSH reports reflect personal tragedies, with each figure representing a life lost and a family in mourning. He called for immediate action to improve safety standards across all sectors.
Ms. Gweneth King, OSH Department Consultant, echoed the Minister’s concerns, noting that 27 fatalities have occurred in the construction sector over the past four years. She emphasised the importance of preventative measures, urging companies to employ health and safety officers and adhere to the Occupational Safety and Health Act Chapter 99:06. King stressed that investing in education and preventive measures is both cost-effective and life-saving.

“The construction industry, in particular, poses significant risks, which can be mitigated by employing health and safety officers,” Ms. King said, noting the sector’s higher fatality rate compared to others like mining.
Tuesday’s seminar represented a vital step toward promoting a safer working environment in the construction industry, demonstrating the Ministry’s commitment to collaborating with industry stakeholders to foster safer and healthier workplace practices.