Dear Editor,
We refer to an article in the Stabroek News on Wednesday, September 5 in relation to an explosion in the Blairmont Estate Sugar Factory.
We wish to correct the misinformation published therein. Please be guided accordingly.
On August 31, 2012 at 07:00 hours Mr Zaheer Yacoob and three other co-workers were assigned to clean the No 1 Evaporator. While cleaning the vessel, they heard a loud noise, so they stopped working and exited the evaporator to enquire, however they saw nothing and resumed working.
Shortly after, they heard a second loud sound and everyone exited the evaporator with the exception of Mr Yacoob. After the co-workers realized that he was absent they re-entered the evaporator and found him in a state of shock and assisted him out of the evaporator.
Mr Yacoob had no visible injuries but was transported to the Blairmont Primary Health Care Centre where Staff Nurse Ms S Beepat examined and administered oxygen to him to assist breathing.
Mr Yacoob was in a conscious but non-responsive state. He was referred immediately to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital for further examination and treatment. He was admitted and held overnight for precautionary observation.
He was discharged on September 1, and was granted seven days leave from August 31 with a fit to work date of September 7 by Dr. Ramsackal, who diagnosed him with 2nd degree shock injury.
The Shift Manager from the Factory visited Mr Yacoob at his residence on September 3 and was advised that Mr Yacoob was convalescing at home.
On Tuesday September 4, Mr Zaheer Yacoob submitted his medical certificate to the Human Resources Department. He indicated to the Estate Health and Safety Officer (EHSO) and Industrial Welfare Officer/Community Development Officer (IWO/CDO) that he was improving but still had a slight back pain.
It should be noted that all the necessary safety precautions were taken, ie, gas testing for CO2 was done prior to entry and a follow-up after the accident. During both tests no dangerous gases were detected.
Checks after the accident revealed that an electrical industrial fan which was mounted on a five-foot platform was found on the ground and may have accounted for the noises heard.
The final investigation is in its completion stage, pending the return of Mr Yacoob to normal duties.
Yours faithfully,
Lalta Persaud
Human Resources Manager
Vinoor Ramnandan
Estate Manager
Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc
Editor’s note
Stabroek News is not clear as to exactly what “misinformation” in our report of September 5 Messrs Persaud and Ramnandan are referring.
