Labour Minister addressing occupational health, safety issues in Region Eight

Minister of Labour, Hon. Joseph Hamilton and a team have met the Potaro-Siparuni (Region Eight) Regional Health Officer, Ms. Chrissundra Abdool and Medical Superintendent (Ag.) Ms. Melissa Thomas to discuss interventions to ensure workers safety and health. 

During that meeting on Tuesday, the Minister disclosed they were working towards placing two Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Officers in the region to work closely with the health sector.

“Too many incidences are occurring in far-flung communities that are taking the lives of persons plying a trade, and this must be dealt with,” he said.

In the meantime, a system will be in place to ensure protocols are observed at all times. The Minister also sought the support of Region Eight, Division Commander, Senior Superintendent Michael Kingston to ensure enforcement by law officers. 

Minister Hamilton said a joint workplace OSH Committee would be established to buttress efforts to ensure workers’ safety. 

The Minister and a team are currently on a three-day visit to the region to evaluate and resolve labour issues. This is in keeping with the Ministry’s work programme to identify and remedy problems affecting the nation’s workforce.