Waking up to the incredibly sad and disturbing news on Friday, September 29, 2023, that another individual in Barbados had lost their life due to a work-related accident, has left me asking how many more? To the family, friends, and colleagues of Mr. Broome, I offer my sincerest condolences.
To those who may wonder why I am asking myself this question, do you recall any of the following:
- In December 2022, 37-year-old Rohan Went, died when a large boulder fell onto the top of the excavator he was operating.
- In March 2023, Mr. Alfred Odle lost his life after falling into a 60-foot well at the airport.
- In June 2023, Mr. Victor Blackman of the Barbados Water Authority lost his life in a vehicular accident in Boscobelle, St. Peter.
- In September 2023, Mr. Patrick Jones, was fatally electrocuted while on the job at Salters, St. George. Further, another fatality occurred in the same month involving a Sanitation Service Authority vehicle. In this incident, the victim was a member of the public.
To the families, loved ones, and colleagues of these gentlemen, I also extend my sincerest condolences.
These workplace fatalities impact those of us in the safety profession on a personal level. We live by a code that speaks to providing processes and environments that allow persons to execute their tasks safely and return to their loved ones at the end of each shift, in no worse a position than when they last saw them. Additionally, we strive to ensure that members of the public are not negatively impacted by our company’s operations. We also know that with every accident or near-miss that occurs, there is a strong indication that gaps exist in our safety management systems which need to be reviewed and addressed. The figure below is a representation of Heinrich’s Triangle Theory also widely known as the Accident Triangle, which illustrates the relationship between accident severity and accident frequency.
This is but one theory and it should not be assumed that the relationships will always be this linear in every workplace or industry. The key take-away is the importance of creating a culture of reporting, investigation, education, consultation, and implementation of corrective actions to avoid future occurrences.
Earlier this year, it was reported that the Arawak Cement Company Ltd. was facing criminal charges related to the work-related death in December 2020, of Mr. Brian Moore. Mr. Moore succumbed to injuries incurred while fixing a blockage on a unit at the plant. While every single incident that results in property damage or injury, is regrettable, we can repair or replace a damaged asset and an injured or ill party can hopefully achieve a full recovery. Unfortunately, with workplace fatalities, there is no such opportunity. Despite the best efforts of companies to support those impacted by the loss, a life cannot be replaced. It should be clearly understood that workplace safety and health is a partnership between employees and employers. Sustained success can only be achieved if both parties understand their responsibilities and assume them fully, to avoid or reduce the potential for harmful or catastrophic outcomes.
Too many persons have lost their lives through workplace accidents, however, we have no clue about the number of those who have suffered permanent disabilities resulting in diminished capacity. Consider the significant impact such circumstances create regarding reduced quality of life and the mental health challenges that usually accompany such cases. Unless you have suffered such an outcome or know someone who has, it is difficult to genuinely appreciate what these individuals experience on a daily basis.
This article is a plea. The benefits of investing in safe systems of work and building strong safety cultures cannot be emphasized enough. Likewise, the fallout from not doing so can range from minor instances of short disruptions and first aid cases to prolonged closures impacting revenue generation, negative public perceptions, employee disengagement and ultimately loss of life.
The good thing is that we have an opportunity to effect changes in our companies and amongst our teams, so that safety is treated as a priority by everyone. We are our brother’s keeper. Let us please commit to looking within and making attempts however small, to avoid having to ask again, how many more?