Closing the door on unsafe and hazardous workplaces

Deteriorating electrical fittings are a constant fire hazard in some urban commercial areas in Guyana

By Dale Beresford

A cursory glance at common safety procedures and protocols employed  by home owners and small businesses in relation to the protection of their homes and business premises ought to give rise to a healthy degree of worry. Not only are the various safety and health violations clearly apparent, they are, as well, a result of either ignorance of the health and safety regulations, or else, a lack of regard for  the occupational safety and health laws of Guyana.

What is apparent is that many businesses in downtown Georgetown and in various other parts of the country pay more attention to maximizing profits than creating a convivial  environment for their employees and customers. Contextually, the question that arises is whether or not the business community is sufficiently  knowledgeable of their roles and responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (32) of 1997 and whether they are in compliance with the provisions of the Act? 

Under those provisions employers have a responsibility to provide a safe and healthy working environment, the details of which are spelt out in Sections 46 to 48 of the Act. These provisions pertain to a safe work task including  safe and healthy structures and buildings,  basic sanitary facilities, approved personal protective equipment, medical examinations for workers and the recruitment of supervisors who are capable of overseeing the effective implementation and maintenance of these facilities and services.