Electrical technician sustains burns while conducting voltage tests at National Stadium

The National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara

An electrical technician of J. J’s Electrical Contracting Services is a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital’s Burns Unit following an accident at the National Stadium.

The Ministry of Labour said in a statement that Neil McGarrel, who is employed with the electrical company, was conducting voltage tests on an electrical panel at the Stadium.

During this procedure, an electrical short circuit occurred, resulting in a fault that escalated to flames, causing burns to both hands and a section of the face of McGarrel.

He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was admitted as a patient.

The Ministry noted that its Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department is conducting an investigation.

“Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton continues to express increasing concerns about the occurrence of workplace injuries and accidents,” the statement said.

The statement added that the Labour Minister holds the view that when a worker leaves home and goes to work, the family expects them to return home safely at the end of the work day or work period, and every effort should be made to ensure that workers are protected on the job.

“As such, he extends his sympathies to the affected persons. The investigation into this accident is continuing,” the statement concluded.