Guyana has recorded an increase in workplace deaths with the majority occurring within the mining and construction Sectors, Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton said in his World Day for Safety and Health at Work message. A total of eight persons have lost their lives at their workplace so far for this year.

On Sunday, the Minister said while there has been a significant reduction in workplace deaths since 2020, the country has experienced a spike in number of recorded deaths for 2024.  

“Nonetheless, over the past four years we have seen a significant reduction in workplace fatalities. In fact, there was a 37% decline in fatalities. However, this year, there has been an increase in the number of fatalities when compared with the previous period last year,” the Labour Minister said. 

In 2020, the country recorded 32 workplace deaths. However, the number of fatalities fell to 27 in 2021, and then to 21 in 2022.  Twenty workplace deaths were recorded in 2023. 

The Labour Minister said workplace deaths in the country remain a serious cause for concern.

Stating that the time for action is now, Minister Hamilton called on all stakeholders including the government, trade unions and employers to safeguard the well-being of all the country’s workers. 

Alluding to this year’s theme for World Day for Safety and Health, “We are running out of time: Ensuring safe and healthy work now in a changing climate”, the Labour Minister said the theme is an urgent reminder of the need to prioritize safety and health in the workplace, especially in the face of a changing climate.

“Climate Change is already having serious impacts on the world of work and workers. Particularly at risk, are those who work out doors in physically demanding sectors such as agriculture, construction and mining. In door workers, in hot and poorly ventilated environments are also at risk, and so are other workers exposed to varying levels of risk. It is obvious that we need to take action now, since the consequences of workplace fatalities, particularly in high-risk sectors, such as mining, construction, and agriculture, are profound,” Minister Hamilton said. 

The Labour Minister said concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including the government, trade unions and employers, are needed to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy that would provide for safety and health protocol.

He also spoke about the importance of training and the enforcement of safety and health regulations, proper equipment maintenance and fostering an environment of safety among all stakeholders.   

To mark Sunday’s observance, hundreds of individuals joined the Ministry of Labour to celebrate World Day for Safety and Health at Work by participating in its Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) annual walk.

Related posts:

Ministry of Labour probing another fatal mining accident in Mazaruni region Labour Ministry to intensify occupational safety and health training in mining and construction sectors Workplace deaths saw 20% decline in 2022; Labour Ministry to continue monitoring programmes Worst breaches of occupational health and safety could be found in public sector -says Labour Minister