The Ministry of Labourโs Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department has commenced an investigation into a fatal workplace accident that occurred at Lot 27, Norton Street, Georgetown construction site. The deceased has been identified as 20-year-old Bryan Hardial, a laborer of Lot 105, Covent Garden, East Bank Demerara.
According to reports, Hardial was in the process of raising a gutter to be installed towards the front of the third floor of the building under construction. During this process, a part of the gutter came into contact with live electrical wires at the front of the building, causing Hardial to receive an electrical shock and fall from the third floor to the ground.
He was then transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital by ambulance, where he subsequently died. According to a press release from the Ministry of Labour, he was reportedly not wearing any safety gear at the time of the accident.
OSH Officer, Ms. Neza King, is currently conducting the investigation, which will entail additional visits to the accident site, and taking statements from eyewitnesses.
Minister of Labour, the Honourable Joseph Hamilton, has repeatedly stressed the importance of ensuring safe and healthy conditions exist in workplaces and on worksites to facilitate the safe return of workers to their families at the end of the day. Further, he extends condolences to the families, friends, and co-workers of the deceased.
The investigation is currently ongoing