Dear Editor,
Guyana’s safety culture is gradually shifting for the better, and I don’t say that lightly. It is no secret that when it comes to safety, especially in the workplace, it was almost nonexistent in Guyana. From my point of view, there is now a conscious decision to prioritize safety.
I’ve seen this at the large worksites and even at small construction worksites where people are wearing all the appropriate PPE. In the past, we didn’t see this unless there was a planned inspection by an official or a Minister. I am not saying Guyana is where it needs to be in terms of safety, but the change is noticeable.
This shift, I can tell, isn’t by accident, but it is being guided by oil and gas production. Oil and gas operations come with high standards in every aspect of the operation, and safety is a non-negotiable. As a result, it seems that when Guyanese businesses work with oil and gas companies, those safety habits are adopted and incorporated into their operations.
The safety mindset and understanding why it is important are catching on. Could it be faster? Yes, but change is a slow process, and it takes time. The Ministry of Labour & Manpower Planning Guyana, and the oil and gas companies are actively raising awareness on the importance of safety through various campaigns, some of which even start at the school level.
Guyana is making progress, and that progress should be acknowledged. Now the task is to keep building a culture where safety is not only required at major projects, but becomes a natural part of every workplace and every community.
Sincerely,
Donald Singh
