Three workplace deaths in five days, Labour Ministry not happy

The Ministry of Labour is sounding the alarm over a disturbing spate of workplace fatalities in the month of October and believes it highlights critical safety failures in some of the country’s most hazardous sectors.

In just five days, three workers lost their lives on the job, prompting calls for immediate action to address workplace safety protocols, particularly in the construction and mining industries.

The first tragedy occurred on Saturday, October 12, when Patrick Picket, a serviceman at Top Mix Cement, suffered fatal injuries while servicing a 14-tonne ready-mix cement truck.

Picket was inspecting the differential oil beneath the vehicle when the truck was unexpectedly moved to the batching plant for loading. The truck, operated by Sham Singh, was not properly secured, and Picket was caught beneath it. Despite being rushed to Diamond Regional Hospital, he was pronounced dead.

The very next day, on Sunday, October 13, a second workplace fatality was reported. Marlon Davidson, a 37-year-old Security Supervisor employed by Hopkinson Mining Security Firm, tragically lost his life after an accident involving an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) on the northern side of Sand Hill Trail. Davidson lost control of the vehicle while on duty, leading to his fatal injuries.

The Ministry of Labour received yet another report of a workplace fatality on Wednesday, this time in Region Eight, where a suspected drowning occurred. A Senior Occupational Safety and Health Officer has been dispatched to the scene to investigate the circumstances of the death.

In response to these incidents, the Ministry, led subject Minister Joseph Hamilton, has expressed deep concern over the repeated failures to follow established safety guidelines. Minister Hamilton called for an immediate review of safety measures, particularly in high-risk industries such as mining and construction.

“These tragedies are preventable, and we must do better,” Hamilton stated in a press release.

“Wherever people work, they must be safe. They must be able to return to their families at the end of each day.”

The Ministry is urging employers to strictly adhere to the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act, Chapter 99:06, which sets out the legal obligations for maintaining safe working conditions. The Ministry emphasized that safety should be a top priority for all employers, and highlighted the need for continuous training, equipment maintenance, and adherence to safety protocols to prevent further tragedies.

“We stand ready to support employers who are committed to making their workplaces safer,” Hamilton added. “But for those who are not, we will take action.”

The Ministry also expressed condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased, and reiterated its commitment to preventing future fatalities by fostering safer work environments across all sectors.