By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) is calling for a thorough investigation into the death of Garvin Ramoutar who died at the Trinidad Cement Ltd facility at Mayo.
The OWTU in a media release on Thursday stated, “The idea of profitability over proper health and safety is tantamount to criminal.”
Health and Safety guidelines especially at high-risk facilities, must be of paramount importance to employers as there is no replacing human life, the OTWU stated.
OWTU called on all the multinational owners of the company to “investigate fully this accident and to make all responsible parties accountable for the tragic loss of this young life.”
The OWTU also requested that there be full transparency with the representing union and that they be included on all investigations pertaining to the accident.
The union extended condolences to Ramoutar’s family and gave the assurance that it will stand in his defence.
The OWTU stated, “An employee who was employed at the Trinidad Cement Ltd (TCL), Mayo Plant for the past ten years, Comrade Ramoutar’s death is an extremely heartbreaking and avoidable loss that should not have happened.
Coming at a time where families are preparing to celebrate the merriest of celebrations, a mere one month away, it is unfortunate that three young children are today left without their only parent due to a reprehensible accident.”
Reports are that Ramoutar, 39, a machine attendant was pulled into a machine and crushed at around 4 am on Wednesday morning.
TCL in a media release stated that an investigation was launched into Ramoutar’s death and that the company was co-operating with the relevant authorities.
