By Shuntel Glasgow
Amid concerns that employers are getting off scot-free in cases where workers die on the job, the mother of a teenager who was electrocuted is calling for justice for her son and accountability.
In May, the police and the Ministry of Labour said they were investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 19-year-old of Lot 105 Covent Garden, East Bank Demerara, who was electrocuted while installing gutters on a three-storey building under construction at 27 Norton Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown.
Bryan Hardial, who was employed as a gutter installer by Unitech Awning and Shutter Manufacturers, was electrocuted while installing gutters on the building.
Inquiries revealed that Hardial and a 53-year-old colleague were sent to the location by the company to install gutters on the aforementioned building.
Bryan’s mother Jasmatie Hardial told Stabroek News on Tuesday evening that she is dissatisfied with the investigation since her son died. Jasmatie explained that her son’s funeral expenses were handled by the employer. According to her, Bryan’s funeral arrangements cost a total of $240,000 and it cannot compensate for her son’s life. After the funeral, the family was abandoned and further information about an investigation into the incident was not communicated. The employer reportedly promised to return to compensate the mother but failed to do so.
The mother, who is still mourning the loss of her son, explained that he suffered a fractured skull, punctured lungs and broken ribs. She added that her son would usually install gutters at several places and he was experienced, however at the time of this incident he was not equipped with protective gear.
Jasmatie is demanding justice and wants a proper investigation to be conducted into the death of her son. The woman insisted that the employer should be held accountable and questioned in relation to the safety of workers on site and protective gear.
“Nobody never call. When we try calling him many times, he refuse to respond to answer; to give an update on what is going on. The boss should be held accountable for his actions. I want justice for my son.”
Prolonged
As the Ministry of Labour continues its investigation into the deaths of employees who were electrocuted at their workplaces within the last few months, the prolonged process often times allows employers to avoid accountability while the victims’ families continue to demand justice.
Four persons were electrocuted in workplace incidents within the last few months and the Ministry of Labour has stated in press releases that it is investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Stabroek News contacted the Ministry and was told that the investigations are still ongoing and upon completion employers would be informed of the resolutions and recommendations.
Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, when asked whether the employers would be charged or held accountable for the incidents, said in response that at this stage of the investigation, he would not be able to disclose that information. However so far, employers involved in job site incidents are just subjected to providing information on the incident to police and the ministry’s Occupational Health and Safety (OSH) Officers. The incidents occurred in instances where persons were not wearing protective gear on the work sites. Some employers would offer to stand funeral expenses and promise further compensation that is most times not provided. Real compensation is not given to families neither are employers charged.
The Ministry of Labour’s OSH Department is investigating a workplace fatality that occurred on Tuesday, July 16th 2024 at Lot 37 Section ‘C’ Land of Canaan, EBD.
A release from the Ministry said that the deceased has been identified as 28-year-old construction worker, Christopher Paul Fernandes of Lot 43 Supply, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
The OSH Department, the Police, and the Guyana Power and Light personnel were informed of the accident and subsequently arrived at the scene where it was reported that Fernandes had died by electrocution.
Senior OSH Officer, Darwin Bourne is leading the preliminary investigation to ascertain the causes of the accident.
On July 13, Maniram Narindralall Dass, a truck driver of Lot 59 Patentia, West Bank Demerara, was electrocuted at Windsor Estate, East Bank Demerara after his vehicle came into contact with a 13,800-volt primary network.
According to the report, Dass was hired to pick up and deliver four crates of concrete blocks in Windsor Estates at a private property. Whilst offloading the blocks, the vehicle came into contact with a 13, 800-volt primary network, resulting in him being electrocuted.
Following the reports made, Assistant Chief OSH Officer Royden Croal visited the scene, where he began investigating to determine the causes of the accident and to provide recommendations to prevent future recurrences.
Similarly, in June, the ministry stated that a probe was launched into the death of the mechanic at Foulis after he was electrocuted by a high voltage wire. According a release from the ministry, the investigation is being led by OSH Officer, Johana Vaughn, who is being assisted by OSH Officer, Ray Hosannah.
The incident occurred just outside SE Auto Sale and Spare Parts, at Lot 21 Public Road, Foulis, East Coast Demerara, at around 7:39 am. Palakhadari, 32, a part-time bodywork mechanic of the company, was electrocuted after the boom of the crane he was moving, came into contact with an overhead high voltage wire.
Upon observing what had happened, the owner of the company attempted to remove Palakhadari from the vehicle and he too suffered an electric shock and had to be taken to receive medical attention.
The police, EMTs, and Guyana Power and Light personnel, were subsequently informed of the incident and attended the scene.
A source at S.E Auto Sales described Palakhadari as a joy to be around and a loving person. “He was an all-rounder, a champion not a worker.”
