Yesterday, officers from the Ministry of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department inspected multiple construction sites along Oronoque, Robb, and Charlotte streets in Georgetown.
A release from the ministry said that the activities are part of continuous workplace inspections being conducted in the construction, restaurant, and business services sectors countryside.
The team, which comprised Delcina Small and Ray Hosannah, checked to ensure that fire safety mechanisms, hygienic restroom facilities, and other occupational health and safety practices were implemented.
Following the evaluation, the release said that safety talks were done with construction employees on proper OSH protocols concerning workplace hazards, accident prevention and reporting of accidents and fall protection, provided with a list of recommendations to create safe and healthy work environments, and given one month to correct the breaches made under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, Chapter 99:06.
The release pointed out that the powers of the OSH officers enable them to “enter, inspect, and examine any Industrial Establishment and every part thereof at any hour of the day or night”.
During the Inspection by the OSH Officer, the following documents will be requested.
1. Accident Register
2. Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Policy
– To be posted in a conspicuous place in the workplace
3. Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act, Chapter 99:06
– To be posted in a conspicuous place in the workplace
4. HIV/AIDS Policy
– Required for Industrial Establishments with over five employees (all businesses in Guyana)
5. OSH Registration
– First Registration (1000), Renewal (500) Yearly
During the inspection by the OSH officer, the following would be inspected:
6. First Aid Kit- Adequate supplies
– Note: No tablets should be a part of the kit.
7. Fire Extinguishers
– To be mounted and serviced yearly.
8. Potable Drinking Water- to be provided.
9. Housekeeping
10. Washroom facilities
– For both genders (Male and Female)
