The Ministry of Labour, in conjunction with the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) company has established a technical committee to investigate incidents of industrial electrocutions and to also monitor worksites for safety adherence. The formation of the committee comes on the heels of the almost fatal electrocution of Leon Turpin.
Turpin was almost fatally electrocuted last week Friday while performing duties on a metal scaffold on a multi-story building along Regent Street in Georgetown. The scaffold reportedly came into contact with a live wire on the building. He was attempting to install a pressure plate on the glass frame at the front of the building.
Labour Minister, Joseph Hamilton, who was at an event this morning, was questioned about incidents of electrocutions and other industrial accidents that are being investigated for possible negligence.
He said, “What I know is that they have done an investigation in conjunction with GPL and we are about to establish a technical committee with GPL to deal specifically with this matter.” When asked whether there had been any indication of negligence on behalf of the contractor, Minister Hamilton was reluctant to say at this junction.
Minister Hamilton said that while there is a need for answers, he assured that the Occupational Health and Safety Department is on the case compiling and reviewing evidence.
Minister Hamilton told reporters that health and safety continues to play a vital part in the world environment. He noted that while the government continues to enforce laws that safeguard workers, there are still mounting complaints with regard to safety. He acknowledged that this is so because enacted regulations continue to be disregarded.
