The findings of the Ministry of Labour’s investigation into the May 20 power failure at Qualfon’s Goedverwagting call centre, are still not available, the company has said.
On June 11, Minister of Labour Nanda Gopaul had told Stabroek News that investigations by his ministry into the failure of the mechanical ventilation system at the call centre were completed. He said that the information would be released after report was compiled by the end of the next week.
However when this publication contacted Qualfon, the company, through its public relations department, stated that “Qualfon followed up with the ministry on Monday, and they are still concluding their investigation. As such, we have not yet received the ministry’s report. Once we receive the report, Qualfon will reach out to the media so we can share their recommendations and our comprehensive response plan. Rest assured that Qualfon will make any and all needed improvements to ensure the health and safety of our employees.”
Up to yesterday, Qualfon said it had not heard from the ministry.
On May 20, 30 minutes after the 4 pm shift had begun, power failed and the call centre’s back-up power supply failed to start. Chaos ensued in which some of the employees were screaming and panting for breath, while others were writhing on the floor.
More than 18 workers were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital and were treated and sent away. The hospital had diagnosed the workers’ fainting spells as being due to a lack of sufficient oxygen when the mechanical ventilation system and the back-up power source failed.
The Guyana Fire Service had stated that the workers were affected because evacuation was not effected in a timely manner.
