16 per cent work-related fatalities reduction achieved in 2021

The Labour Ministry’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department has reported a 16 per
cent reduction in work-related fatalities in 2021, a significant reduction when compared to the
previous year.
The ministry said that this reduction of workplace fatalities was particularly noted in the mining
and construction sectors. Reports coming out of the labour ministry, at the close of the year
2020, a total of 32 workplace fatalities were recorded across all sectors. It was noted that mining
was the number one contributor. This, according to the ministry was very worrying and as such,
immediate steps were taken to address the matter.
However, the ministry, through its OSH department embarked on a rigorous campaign to create
safer workplaces throughout the nation. They revealed that this was done in conjunction with
local businesses and supporting agencies. As such, several outreaches and public awareness
activities were conducted in mining communities in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine. It was
disclosed that many workers were reached with safety and health messages through radio,
television and the widespread distribution of brochures, flyers and posters.
Labour Minister, Joseph Hamilton, in addressing the achievement pointed out that work-related
deaths are unacceptable and safe workplace practices should top the priority of employers.
Hamilton noted that based on his observation, while there has been a decrease in the number of
fatalities, much more work needs to be done. He said that aided by his ministry they will
continue to tackle unsafe workplace practices through regular inspections and audits.
The labour minister expressed the view that greater collaboration among employers and
employees, officers of the Labour Ministry and partnering/ collaborating agencies could
contribute significantly to the achievement of an optimally safe, sound, healthy and secure
working environment for all levels and categories of workers, in keeping with the Occupational
Safety and Health Act Cap 99:06, Laws of Guyana and accompanying regulations.
Hamilton also urged workers and employers to maintain a safety climate in workplaces and work
towards the development of a safety culture, where everyone would benefit and everyone is
“looking out for each other”.