Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle says that the Labour Ministry is “tying up some loose ends” with the report on its investigation into the failure of the mechanical ventilation system at Qualfon Goedverwagting call centre.
Ogle, during a phone call, said that the information would be made available, as soon as the “loose ends” are dealt with.
Just over a week ago, the Minister of Labour Dr Nanda Gopaul told this newspaper that the Labour Officer responsible for compiling the report was on sick leave and therefore the report was not completed. He further stated his disappointment at the delay of the report.
“Qualfon followed up with the Ministry on Monday (June 18), 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,” the company said through its public relations department.
All efforts to obtain a further comment from Qualfon yesterday were futile.
Half of an hour after the 4pm shift had begun on May 20, power failed at the call centre and its back-up power supply failed to start. Shortly after the centre was evacuated and some of the employees were seen screaming and panting for breath, while others were writhing on the floor.
More than 18 workers were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital. Some were conscious, while others emerged from vehicles in a state of panic. All of the workers were treated and sent away by the hospital, which found that the workers’ fainting spells were due to the 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 of the evacuation was not done in a timely manner.
