The Ministry of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department has begun an investigation into a fatal workplace accident which resulted in the death of a 35-year-old dredge owner, on 5th June 2024.
The accident occurred at a mining pit located at Four Miles, Arakaka, North West District (NWD), Region One.
The deceased has been identified as Donston Fraser also known as “Timothy Fraser” and “Mineral Boss” of 5 Miles Arakaka, NWD and Victoria Village, East Coast Demerara (E.C.D).
According to reports received, Fraser and two of his employees were engaged in jetting the walls of the mining pit at around 15:00 hrs, when the walls began to crack.
Fraser saw this and instructed his employees to reduce the pressure of the water pump, and whilst doing so, the walls of the pit collapsed, trapping him, a release from the Ministry of Labour said.
Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Officer with responsibility for Region One, Chavez Daniels is leading the preliminary investigation to determine the causes of the accident and make recommendations to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
