— urges stricter safety culture and shared responsibility 

AS Guyana’s  economic transformation is accelerated, Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, has issued a firm warning that national development must never come at the expense of workers’ safety, stressing that progress and protection must advance in tandem.

With rapid expansion across key sectors including construction, oil and gas, agriculture, and services, the minister noted that increased economic opportunity is being matched by heightened workplace risks, making stronger occupational safety systems more urgent than ever.

Griffith delivered the remarks on Wednesday in a video statement marking the commencement of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Month, during which he underscored that every worker is entitled to a safe and healthy working environment.

He emphasised that this is not optional, but a fundamental standard that must be upheld consistently across all sectors.

Against this backdrop, the minister called for a proactive and people-centred approach to workplace safety, urging all stakeholders to take shared responsibility.

“With growth comes increased responsibility. Development must never come at the cost of one human life, or the well-being of any person,” Griffith stated.

Linking worker well-being directly to sustainable development, Griffith noted that as both traditional industries expand and new sectors emerge, occupational health and safety standards must keep pace.

He further stressed that the observance of OSH Month is not merely ceremonial, but forms part of a broader national push to strengthen labour protections.

“I take this opportunity to reaffirm the government’s unwavering commitment to the safety, health and well-being of every worker across our country. This observance is not merely symbolic; it is a deliberate and necessary reminder that the protection of our workers must remain a national priority. Every worker, regardless of sector or occupation, has a fundamental right to a safe and healthy working environment,” he said.

“It is important to understand that this is not a privilege, but rather, it is a standard that must be upheld at all times.”

Addressing ongoing challenges, the minister acknowledged that occupational safety remains a significant issue both locally and globally, with workplace accidents and illnesses continuing to impact workers and their families.

“The realities of workplace accidents and occupational illnesses continue to affect workers and their families, not only globally, but within our own communities. Behind every incident is a person, a family, a future that is impacted,” he said.

In response, the ministry will adopt a preventative and culture-driven approach throughout April, aimed at embedding safety into everyday workplace practices.

“Occupational safety and health is, at its core, about culture. It is about creating environments where safety is not an afterthought, but a fundamental part of how work is done,” Griffith added.

As part of this push, the ministry will roll out its “Putting-Safety-First” campaign, designed to go beyond awareness and drive tangible behavioural change across workplaces nationwide.

The initiative will focus on key areas such as hazard identification and prevention; proper use of protective equipment; workplace training; and the promotion of both physical and mental well-being.

Additionally, the ministry will intensify inspections, strengthen compliance mechanisms, and expand training and public-education efforts.

Griffith made it clear that ensuring safe workplaces is a shared national responsibility.

“Employers must ensure that proper systems, equipment, and training are in place to protect their workers. Employees must adhere to established safety protocols and remain vigilant in their daily tasks,” he said.

“Trade unions and workers’ representatives must continue to advocate for safe working conditions and support the enforcement of standards.”

Guyana will conclude its OSH Month observances on April 28, joining the international community in marking World Day of Safety and Health at Work, which highlights the global effort to prevent workplace accidents and diseases.

Reflecting on those affected by workplace incidents, Griffith said their experiences serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of sustained vigilance.

“It is our duty to ensure that such occurrences are minimised through vigilance, education, and enforcement,” he said, adding, “Looking forward, this government remains committed to building a modern labour sector that is not only productive, but safe, resilient, and aligned with international best practises.”