The Ministry of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department is probing the death of a mechanic at Foulis after a crane came into the magnetic field of a high-voltage wire yesterday.
In a statement yesterday, the ministry said that it has launched an investigation into the accident that occurred just outside SE Auto Sale and Spare Parts, Lot 21 Public Road, Foulis, East Coast Demerara (ECD), at around 7:39 am yesterday. The deceased was identified as 32-year-old part-time bodywork mechanic of the company, Ramraj Palakhadari.
Palakhadari was a resident of Block 20, Haslington, ECD.
According to reports, Palakhadari usually arrives early at work, and is tasked with repairing, renovating, and displaying the vehicles sold by the company.
Yesterday morning he was engaged in the process of bringing a crane out of the compound to be displayed for public viewing, the statement said.
After parking the vehicle, Palakhadari was using the crane controls at the left of the vehicle to extend the arm of the crane.
“While he was doing so, the arm came into the magnetic field of a nearby electrical wire, causing 13,800 volts of electricity to course through the crane, and electrocute Palakhadari where he was holding onto the control”, the statement said.
As a result, he sustained burns on his hands, torso and feet. He was attired in regular clothing and slippers at the time.
Upon observing what had happened, business proprietor of SE Auto Sale and Spare Parts, Mr. Etwaroo, attempted to remove the deceased from the vehicle. However, he subsequently suffered an electric shock and had to be taken to receive medical attention.
The Police, EMT, and Guyana Power and Light (GPL) personnel were then informed of the incident and subsequently arrived at the scene. The body was later taken away by undertakers.
This investigation is being led by OSH Officer, Johana Vaughn, who is being assisted by OSH Officer, Ray Hosannah.
