Latest update November 21st, 2024 1:00 AM
Construction workers need to gear up for safety – Labour Ministry
– Officers could close construction sites
The Ministry of Labour is stepping up its monitoring of construction sites to ensure workers are properly geared for their challenging work environment. While Labour Officers have the authority to close construction sites as a penalty for unsafe conditions, the current aim is to educate.
This was indicated by Labour Minister Dr. Nanda Gopaul, during an interview with this
The Ministry of Labour is stepping up its monitoring of construction sites.
publication on Wednesday.
Dr. Gopaul emphasized that in light of recent accidents and incidents occurring at mostly high-rise building construction sites, Labour Officers during their inspections will be insisting that the new standards under the Occupational Safety and Health Acts are observed. He reflected that the local construction sector has had a relatively good safety record, but with the changing landscape, employers and employees still must be cognizant and knowledgeable of the Acts.
Dr. Gopaul said that the Ministry has forwarded regulations governing the construction sector to the Attorney General’s Chamber for vetting. He explained that the wearing of safety gear such as helmets and boots is a must. In addition, the placement of scaffolding against buildings is also a matter of concern.
He further noted that the Ministry will be recruiting technical officers with engineering knowledge to inspect construction sites.
The Minister said it is important to note that some employees are reluctant to wear safety gear. However, the Ministry believes that the employers should send delinquent employees home because their operations could be stalled.
In April last, a labourer fell through an elevator chute of a three-storey building under construction at Camp and Robb Streets, Georgetown. And recently a man survived a fall from a four-storey building, which is under construction at the corner of East and New Market Streets.
When there are accidents or incidents on construction sites, the question of whom should bear the medical expenses and health benefits are asked. In most cases, the labourers are not contributors to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) or possess insurance coverage.
The Minister said that it is not the owner of the building but the contractor who is responsible for hiring of the labourers. As such, the contractor needs to ensure that his labourers contribute to the NIS.
According to Dr. Gopaul, the Ministry is monitoring this situation and is working in collaboration with the NIS to have contractors contribute to the scheme. However, this is challenging, since labourers usually do not have a stable employer. As such, many contractors get away from conforming to the law.
The Minister said that there needs to be relevant legislation in place to have contractors pay employment benefits for labourers. The financial records of contractors must be audited to ensure that labourers are not treated unfairly.
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