Dear Editor,
News that the newly elected Georgetown Mayor Pandit Ubraj Narine, over the weekend, led city councillors in a clean-up operation in the city is welcomed. Let me take the opportunity to note his presence at this leadership level at a relatively young age and wish him well.
As a trade unionist, though the clean-up effort is much appreciated, it would be remiss of me not to speak to what has become a pattern conducting work of such nature without the necessary protective gear. The picture of persons conducting this exercise gives rise to concern not only because they are government officials and primarily tasked with upholding the laws, but it could also send a message to the City Council and other workers, who do this type of job, that safety and health are not priority in the execution of the task.
A nation’s most vital resource is its workers (people). Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health laws and standards, which are established with the primary aim to protect one’s life and health, cannot be over-emphasised. The absence of protective gear such as enclosed shoes/boots run the risk of greater exposure to injuries, that can lead to diseases and if not treated or captured early, death. Think of a nail stick which can lead to tetanus. Also, if that person is diabetic that stick could carry dire consequence(s).
In the conducting of this exercise, based on the picture, there was the absence of respirators, gloves and goggles. Respirators are needed to minimise the inhaling of gas and fumes that come from the waste, and the process from gathering to disposal exposes handlers to direct and greater risk. Gloves help to avoid injuries to hands and prevention of possible fungus infection. Goggles serve as protection for the eyes from objects which should they hit could carry consequences.
A few weeks ago, there was post on social media of the Council’s Solid Waste Director Walter Narine, another relatively young leader, and his team involved in a tree planting exercise. This effort aids the environment, beautification of the city, and sustainable development, and is applauded. Aside from the noted positives, the concern exists that the exercise was being executed with persons not wearing the necessary protective gear.
An injured worker is not only a setback to him or herself, place of work and team, the economy, but also the family who relies on that income for sustenance and development. These inconveniences cannot be afforded. In the circumstances where tasks of the stated nature pose unique threats to life, health and body parts, it is important to take the default action of always wearing protective gear to ensure risks are minimised, and one’s safety and health guaranteed. Another factor that cannot be overlooked is that with leadership comes greater expectation for compliance with laws and established standards.
Yours faithfully,
Lincoln Lewis