The Ministry of Social Protection and the National Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health yesterday recognised several organisations for safety and health in the workplace.
At Herdmanston Lodge, Georgetown, the Department of Public Information (DPI) said that the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Banks DIH, the University of Guyana and several gold mining companies were recognized. The entities were drawn from Regions 3,4,5,7 and 10.
Vice Chairperson of the National Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health, Patricia Woolford said the agency has come a long way to protect the citizens of Guyana. “Today, we are placing the spotlight on companies which have made a concerted effort to ensure their workers work in environments which are free from hazards and risk to their wellbeing”, she said, according to DPI.
“It is sad but from facts, the highest occupational accidental deaths come from the Gold Mining Sector and we will work to ensure safety measures are taken”, Woolford added.
General Secretary of Federation of Independent Trade Union of Guyana (FITUG), Dawshan Nagasar said that young people in Guyana are more exposed to occupational accidents and Occupational Safety and Health awareness is necessary.
Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally said that the Ministry of Social Protection has evaluated and implemented some critical standards in safeguarding the Guyanese workforce.
“This year’s ceremony will recognise activities that promote advocacy and awareness, which are essential tools to improve Occupational Safety and Health in Guyana, and recognition of these initiatives are imperative,” Ally stated.
