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Unsafe practice on Lethem road
Dear Editor,
I wish to draw both the public and Ministry of Labour’s attention to Kaieteur News front page of October 21st, wherein a colourful picture supports the caption, “Paving the way for a smooth ride to Lethem”. Mr. Editor I am sure most of us welcome this progressive stamp or signature
However, I am appalled that these levels of unsafe practices continue throughout Guyana, without being properly addressed.
Let us examine what the picture portrays; it depicts a dump truck in motion dumping gravel unto the road. Two labourers are seated on the left and right side of the tray, each supporting his body from sliding down the inclined tray by sticking out the other foot to the back wall of the tray. In that position, both men are assisting the movement of gravel my shoveling. Amazingly, all this occurs while the dumper (as stated before) is in motion.
Mr. Editor it goes further; none of the workmen can be seen wearing head, hand, foot, and I suspect but cannot prove, eye protection. None of the two, who are mounted at least 2.5 metres above ground level, are wearing the life saving fall arrest harness.
Finally, what is that cylindrical object between the truck’s chassis and elevated tray? Is that placed there to keep the tray inclined in the absence of a working hydraulic dump for the truck? Did the contractor substitute this feature with a makeshift support, and in so doing endangered the life of labourers.
This brings to bear another question, are contractors made to conform to any safety standard set by the Ministry of Labour or any other responsibly entity?
I trust there would be no incidents or accidents even as we pave the way into Lethem.
Lester Bourne
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