Dear Editor,
I have noted that some brush cutter operators, whether on behalf of the Georgetown municipality or subject Ministry, when weeding the parapets around the city, would use a protective covering to prevent objects from becoming missiles and either injuring passers-by or damaging private property. While this is commendable, I believe there is an opportunity for this practice to be mandatory for all such work including private brush cutter operators.
The reality is that brush cutter operators perform these services for many residents and do not use this protective covering and when an incident occurs where private property is damaged (e.g. moving or parked car), very little may come out of it. As many times, the individual who contracted the services of the operator excludes himself from any personal responsibility; and the operator is not likely to be held liable as it may be deemed as an unwilful act.
The end result being one where the individual whose property has been damaged is left with no recourse. Additionally, if one were to examine a brush cutter, he/she would see modifications to the equipment with little consideration given to safety but more to clearing needs.
In our country there appears to be an increased emphasis on safety to tackle road and mining accidents which gives an impression of ‘fighting fires’ rather than a comprehensive and strategic country plan to transition and engender a generative safety culture among Guyanese where safety becomes a way of life. I do not expect miracles overnight, but I do believe we need to be adequately resourced to move beyond advisories and more into the realm of regulations, laws and strict enforcement of Occupational, Safety and Health (OSH) practices.
Yours faithfully,
Christpen Bobb-Semple
