With three workplace deaths in days, Labour Ministry sounds alarm on safety lapses
The Ministry of Labour (MoL) has expressed its “deep concern” over a series of workplace fatalities within five days.
On Saturday, October 12, 2024, Patrick Pickett, a serviceman at Top Mix Cement, sustained fatal injuries while servicing a 14-tonne ready-mix cement truck.
According to reports, Pickett was inspecting the differential oil beneath the truck when the vehicle, operated by Sham Singh, was moved to the batching plant for loading.
Pickett was discovered injured by Batch Supervisor Harry Mahase and other staff members, who rushed him to Diamond Regional Hospital. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The following day, on Sunday, October 13, 2024, another fatality occurred. Marlon Davidson, a 37-year-old security supervisor employed by Hopkinson Mining Security Firm, lost his life in a tragic accident.
Davidson was driving an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) along the northern side of Sand Hill Trail when he lost control and fatally crashed.
Adding to the Ministry’s concerns, a third workplace death was reported on Wednesday, involving a suspected drowning in Region Eight. A Senior Occupational Safety and Health Officer has been dispatched to investigate.
In response to these fatalities, Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton has called for strict adherence to occupational safety and health (OSH) regulations, particularly in the mining and construction sectors.
The Minister emphasised the importance of workplace safety, stating, “Wherever people work, they must be safe. They must be able to return to their families at the end of each day.”
The Minister is urging all employers to prioritise safety protocols as outlined in the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act, Chapter 99:06.
He noted that the Ministry stands ready to work alongside businesses to improve safety standards and prevent future tragedies.
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