aims to enhance workplace safety

IN a significant move to bolster workplace safety, ten employees from the Ministry of Labour (MOL) have successfully enrolled in a comprehensive two-day First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training programme. This initiative aims to equip on-site personnel with essential skills to effectively respond to workplace injuries and accidents.
According to a press release from the Ministry of Labour, the training sessions are being held in the ministry’s boardroom and are made possible through a partnership between the Ministry’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department and the Saint John Association of Guyana. Participants include members from the Labour Department, the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), and the OSH Department, all receiving training designed to develop lifelong skills in administering critical first aid that could potentially save lives.
Under the expert guidance of Saint John Association Guyana Trainer, Akpotu Thompson, participants are learning to recognise the signs of medical emergencies, respond effectively to various situations, and conduct assessments based on “The Six Basics” of first aid, among other vital skills. Upon successful completion of the training, each participant will receive a three-year certification.
Earlier this year, Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, announced a comprehensive training programme aimed at enhancing first-aid skills among ministry employees, particularly focusing on those working in high-risk sectors such as mining and construction. Minister Hamilton highlighted the crucial role of this training in reducing workplace fatalities and accidents by ensuring prompt and appropriate responses to injuries.
“Many individuals don’t necessarily die because of the severity of their injuries, but due to a lack of immediate care,” Minister Hamilton stated. “If someone at the scene knows how to respond—whether by compressing an injury or stabilising a broken limb—they can make a critical difference until professional medical help arrives.”
The Saint John Association Guyana is a prominent humanitarian organisation dedicated to promoting health awareness and safety through quality first aid training, services, and healthcare support. As a non-profit organisation, it continues to play a vital role in enhancing healthcare in Guyana and contributing to the wellbeing and development of its communities.
The training initiative underscores the Ministry of Labour’s commitment to fostering a safer working environment and ensuring that employees are well-prepared to handle emergencies effectively.