Cease work orders have been issued by the Ministry of Labour to three mining operations at it investigates the death of a 17-year-old miner.
In a statement yesterday, the ministry said that its Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department is investigating the workplace fatality that occurred at Ms June Landing, Puruni River, Gold Mining District No. 4, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
The incident occurred, around 3.30 pm on Tuesday, August 29, 2023. Seventeen-year-old Anthony Richard and three other workers were working in a mining pit owned by Lorine Alfred, when the land above them collapsed and fell into the pit where the workers were working.
The workers rushed out of the mining pit but Richard was trapped, so the workers called for the assistance from other nearby miners. A rescue operation was launched, and using land dredges, the motionless body of Richard was recovered at 8.30 pm.
Richard’s body was taken to the Puruni Health Post, where he was pronounced dead by a doctor on duty. His body was later examined, and several abrasions on his left leg were observed.
Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Officer, Naipaul Persaud visited the worksite where the accident occurred and began investigations in collaboration with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) officials.
Following this, three nearby mining pit operations were issued a ‘Cease Work and Removal Order’ notice following a collaborative inspection to see whether proper mining practices were being followed.
The OSH department intends to conduct follow-up inspections within three weeks to ensure that employers comply with the recommendations provided to establish a safe and healthy working environment, the ministry said.
