Mechanic electrocuted while operating crane at Foulis
A 32-year-old bodywork mechanic was on Friday electrocuted while operating a crane at Foulis on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).
The dead man has been identified as Ramraj Palakhadari, a part-time bodywork mechanic employed by SE Auto Sale and Spare Parts and a resident of Block 20, Haslington.
According to reports, Palakhadari, who usually arrives early at work and is responsible for repairing, renovating, and displaying vehicles for the company, was bringing a crane out of the compound for public viewing.
After parking the vehicle, Palakhadari was using the crane controls on the left side of the vehicle to extend the arm of the crane. During this operation, the crane’s arm came into the magnetic field of a nearby electrical wire, causing 13,800 volts of electricity to course through the crane and electrocuting Palakhadari as he held the controls.
As a result, the 32-year-old man sustained severe burns on his hands, torso, and feet. The owner of the business, upon witnessing the incident, attempted to remove Palakhadari from the vehicle but received an electric shock himself and had to be taken for medical attention.
Emergency services, including the Police, Emergency Medical Technicians, and Guyana Power and Light (GPL) personnel, were informed of the incident and arrived at the scene shortly after. The body was later taken away by undertakers.
The Ministry of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department has launched an investigation into the incident. OSH Officer Johana Vaughn, assisted by OSH Officer Ray Hosannah, is leading the investigation.
Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, has reiterated the importance of proper health and safety mechanisms in the workplace.
He emphasised that employers and employees must observe these protocols to ensure the safe return of workers to their families.
Minister Hamilton extended his condolences to the friends and family of the deceased, acknowledging the distress caused when a person is fatally injured on the job.
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