With the construction sector booming and new contractors entering the industry daily, greater attention is being placed on creating a culture of safety to minimise workplace accidents.
In this vein, the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, through its Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department, recently hosted a seminar in Region Six as part of a nationwide series titled “Putting Safety First in the Construction Sector.”
The seminar, held at the Regional Democratic Council Boardroom, brought together employers, contractors, supervisors and workers to promote safe work practices and raise awareness of occupational safety and health requirements.
Occupational Safety and Health Officer Nazmoon Ann Jaffarally said the initiative was prompted by the construction boom under way in Guyana and the need to keep safety a top priority.
“The turnout was tremendous, and the interaction with contractors, employees and persons within the sector was engaging and interesting,” Jaffarally said, adding that participants raised concerns openly while ministry officials explained the rules and regulations governing occupational safety and health.
“The main objective of the seminar is to change the occupational safety and health culture within our workforce and within the construction sector,” she said, noting the ministry intends to build on the session.
Jaffarally reminded participants that the OSH Department operates under the Occupational Safety and Health Act and urged compliance with its provisions.
Participants welcomed the initiative and called for similar sessions to be held regularly. Howard Butts described the seminar as timely, saying training was needed as the volume of construction work and the number of new contractors continue to grow, with emphasis also needed on educating employees.
Another participant, Keino Joseph, said the seminar was informative and that Jaffarally had stressed the importance of contractors meeting safety standards.
He added that the session also strengthened participants’ understanding of labour laws, helping contractors better manage their workforce within the legal framework.
