Upon the conclusion of the Ministry of Labour’s investigation into the workplace death of Cindy Jattan, the Gafoors Hardware Store has been ordered to make several changes within their work environment based on recommendations made by the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department.
During a press conference, the Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, had said that the investigation revealed that the company’s Land of Canaan store on the East Bank of Demerara had no safety committee to coach the workers and no records to show the maintenance of the rack that collapsed and crushed Jattan.
“…There was also no evidence to show that the strength and quality of the rack had been tested and if it was suitable enough to hold or carry the weight of the materials… there was no record to show that inspection or maintenance of the rack was done at any time.”
As a result, recommendations were made for the regular testing of the capacity of the racks by qualified engineers and for the racks to be constructed at a safer place where no worker’s life may be at stake. Hamilton also noted that there was no safety and health committee to coach the workers and stressed that one must be implemented.
“Records are to be made available to show inspections or maintenance of the racks by a qualified and competent engineer who must verify the structural integrity… a rack inspection maintenance programme must be implemented throughout the facilities.”
According to the minister, a copy of those recommendations were made and sent to the company and they were given a timeframe to implement them. He added that the OSH department will ensure Gafoors’ compliance.
“A timeframe was given for the company to comply with the recommendations that were made. In this regard the OSH department will be following up with the company to ensure that there is compliance with the recommendations which were made.”
Thirty-year-old Jattan who worked as a bond clerk at the company’s Land of Canaan location was crushed to death on August 26 while she was sitting at her work area which is under a rack upon which had been stored a quantity of assorted hardware supplies.
