The Ministry of Labour has launched an investigation into the deaths of two employees at Trans Rice Mill which occurred on Friday afternoon.
In a brief statement on the Ministry’s Facebook page, it was disclosed that Occupational Safety and Health Officer, Darwin Bourne, who is assigned to Region #5, has commenced investigations.
It was stated that investigations are continuing to determine the cause of the accident and recommendations will also be made for the prevention of a recurrence.
Shaquille Butts and Gousham Narine fell off a scaffold and were fatally injured while executing their duties.
Butts, 27, a labourer, of Lot 4 Airy Hall, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, and Narine, 25, also known as Chris, a welder, of Lot 78 Triple X Nonpareil, East Coast Demerara were constructing a metal shed. The men were standing on a metal scaffold.
This newspaper yesterday reported that Narine was pulling up a 20-ft long metal sheet when it reportedly connected with a nearby Guyana Power and Light line. As a result he was electrocuted.
Upon witnessing Narine being shocked Butts attempted to hold him and he was also electrocuted. They both fell from the scaffold to the ground.
Several other workers were present carrying out tasks at the location when the fatal accident occurred.
They rushed Butts and Narine to the Mahaicony Public Hospital, where Narine was pronounced dead on arrival while Butts later succumbed while receiving medical attention.
Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton, the post stated, continues to express deep concern about workplace fatalities and extended heartfelt sympathy to the grieving relatives, colleagues and friends of the deceased.
