60% increase in workplace deaths recorded in 2024 -Labour Ministry reports

Guyana recorded a 60% increase in labour deaths in 2024. According to the Minister of Labour, Joe Hamilton, a total of 32 persons died on the job in the past year.

Minister Hamilton said the on the job fatality rate has returned to the rate that existed five years ago, when 30 deaths were recorded in 2020.

At a press conference, the Minister explained that the majority of the deaths occurred in the Mining and Construction Sectors, with the Mining and Quarrying Sector responsible for 48% of the fatal accidents.

“With all that we have done in 2024, 32 persons lost their lives in workplaces, primarily in mining and construction. That is where most of the deaths are happening,” the Labour Minister said.

While the number of fatal accidents has increased significantly, the number of non-fatal accidents have declined by 5%. The majority of non-fatal accidents continued to occur in the Agricultural Sector.

Minister Hamilton said both employers and employees have been found to be culpable, explaining that some employees fail to adhere to basic Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) measures, including the wearing of protective gear.

In other cases, persons were found to have resorted to operating or raiding mining pits at nights, resulting in deaths and injuries.

Minister Hamilton said the Labour Ministry has been engaging in extensive training and sensitization exercises in workplaces across Guyana with the hope of changing the “don’t give a damn” kind of attitude and culture, particularly in the Mining and Construction Sectors, but it has proven to be an uphill task.

“If you go into the mining districts, it is not easy. We have done a lot of work, sensitization. We have gone in there with flyers; we have spent days with them. Officers have gone in the camps, stayed in the camps, have a conversation with them, speak to them about mining practices. We have a joint technical committee with GGMC, with the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association but I don’t think any country as yet worked out how do you deal with [this]. Medium miners, big miners are not your issue, the issue in all jurisdiction is the small miners,” he said.

Hamilton assured that the Labour Ministry will continue to work with key stakeholders such as the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) to bring down the number of workplace deaths and injuries.

The Labour Ministry also intends to launch a media campaign to bring about greater awareness on Occupation Health and Safety (OHS) measures to be adopted, and best practices in Mining and Construction among other sectors including Agriculture.