Findings of investigation to be made public

THE management of the Port Authority has promised to make public its findings into the accident on Wednesday, which resulted in the death of Sanjeev Rampersad, a radio frequency clerk. It is also continuing to provide support to Rampersad’s family, but is yet to decide on the compensation to be given. This was stated yesterday by the Port’s acting General Manager/Chief Executive Officer, Kathleen Maxwell, prior to a meeting with officials of the Seamen and Waterfront Workers’ Trade  Union (SWWTU) at the Port’s conference room. Rampersad was crushed by a 16-wheel crane while carrying out his duties at Berth Six, Shed 10, Area D on the Port.

In a brief statement to reporters yesterday, Maxwell said the accident which claimed Rampersad’s life was “very unfortunate” and the Port’s Board and the union were deeply saddened by the event. She said discussions were held with Rampersad’s parents to provide “continuing support.” She added that the Port had not “yet decided on compensation, but we have assured the family compensation will be provided.” Maxwell said management was in the process of  “establishing an investigative team comprising the safety, equipment and operations department, as well as the union.” She promised that the findings would be made public.

SWWTU President General, Michael Annisette, said they were concerned about safety at the Port. He said “safety is being compromised because Government is slow in allocating the required lands to have the Port continue to carry out its operations.” Annisette said because of the “dilution of the space,” workers were forced to work under unsafe conditions. He made a public request for Government to “treat this matter with the urgency it deserves.” He stressed that if the matter could not be dealt with promptly, “it will have a series of accidents in the Port.”

“We cannot expect the Port to function in a safe environment if you do not give the management and the workers the tools and kind of land space that it requires, to operate in a safe environment.” As for the failure by Government to implement the Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA) legislation, Annisette said while they demanded that it be put in place, “safety is not about legislation, it’s about lifestyle.” He said it required management, workers and the union to ensure a safe environment.

Yesterday’s meeting between the SWWTU and Port management was to decide on the way forward, in terms of putting in place short- and long-term measures to prevent further accidents. But even as the meeting took place, a Udecott worker fell from the old Shed 2 which is being demolished to make way for the waterfront project. The worker was making his way off the building when he spotted what he thought was someone trying to steal his bike. He undid his harness and fell.