Government officials have completed a series of inspections and outreach activities at mining camps in the Puruni area, Region Seven, as part of ongoing efforts to improve workplace safety and health standards in Guyana’s mining sector.

The initiative, led by the Ministries of Labour and Health in collaboration with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), was organized in observance of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Month. The inspections targeted not only Puruni but also extended to mining areas such as Rock Creek, Mara Mara, Brazilian Scheme, and Peters Mine.

During the visits, miners received guidance on a range of critical issues, including accident prevention, identification of workplace hazards, proper sanitation, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Special attention was given to safe tree clearing, campsite hygiene, benching, and pit floor clearing techniques. The harmful health effects of mercury and best practices for its management were also discussed.

Health officials provided malaria testing and distributed treated mosquito nets to help combat vector-borne diseases common in mining regions. The sessions also introduced miners to training opportunities in jewellery making, mineral prospecting, map reading, and GPS navigation.

Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton underscored the government’s commitment to reducing workplace fatalities, noting that the mining and construction sectors have recorded the highest rates of such incidents in recent years. He emphasized that these inspections are part of a broader strategy to foster a culture of safety and compliance across the country’s extractive industries.

The outreach was well received by miners, with approximately 145 participants from 19 operations taking part in the awareness sessions. The government has signaled its intention to continue these efforts, aiming for a significant decline in workplace accidents and improved health and safety practices throughout Guyana’s mining communities.