Anthony Richard, a 17-year-old miner of Parika, East Bank Essequibo, died after a mining pit he was working in caved in on him in August and the Ministry of Labour has halted operations at the site near the Puruni River, Region Seven, pending an investigation.
See below full release from the Ministry of Labour:
The Ministry of Labour’s 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 15:30 hrs on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, 17-year-old Mr. Anthony Richard and three other workers were working in a mining pit owned by Ms. 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 Mr. 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 Mr. Richard was recovered at 08:30 hrs.
Mr. 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, Mr. 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 (3) 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 (3) weeks to ensure that employers comply with the recommendations provided to establish a safe and healthy working environment.
The Minister extends heartfelt sympathy to the grieving relatives, co-workers and friends of the deceased.
He also takes this opportunity to remind both employers and workers of the importance and need for good safety and health practices in the workplace so that similar incidents/accidents which can result in the loss of lives of loved ones can be avoided.
Investigations are ongoing.
