A 45-year-old Anna Regina machine operator was on Sunday afternoon admitted to the Suddie Hospital following an industrial accident at his worksite during which he lost part of his right hand.
Reports are that Toolsie Ram, a father of three of Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast, was working close to a dryer at his place of employment at the Caricom Rice Mills when his hand became stuck in the machine.
Ram told Stabroek News from his bed at the Suddie Hospital that he was preparing to clean the dryer when the incident occurred. He recounted that shortly after 5 pm on Sunday he had switched off all the relevant switches close to the machine as he prepared to clean it. He said that he would usually operate the machine, adding that he had been working with the company for over 20 years.
The injured man said that as he was cleaning the machine, it “suddenly” became operable and his right hand was pulled in. He said that his arm, from the elbow outwards was crushed by the equipment, noting that he was horrified by the entire ordeal.
The man said that he managed to free himself from the equipment and ran out of the working area to his colleagues who were rushing to his assistance on hearing his cries for help. Ram was taken to the Suddie Hospital by his workmates, whom he praised for the support they have since given him.
In pain, the man noted that he was lucky to be alive, pointing out that he lost a considerable amount of blood following the incident. His wife, Sattie (only name given), said Ram was the sole breadwinner of the family and as such she was at her wit’s end as regards the welfare of the family.
Relentless efforts by this newspaper to obtain a comment from the rice milling company yesterday were unsuccessful but Stabroek News understands that the company has pledged to support the injured man and his family until he recovers. (SM)
