Arawak conducting ‘thorough investigation’ after death of employee

The management of Arawak Cement Plant today issued a statement in relation to the death of employee Brian Moore on Monday.

Moore was one of two men injured in an incident on Sunday at the Arawak Cement Plant in Checker Hall, St Lucy.

The other employee, Vincent Ellis, is hospitalised at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

According to the company, the men sustained burns during a “routine procedure”.

The release said a “thorough investigation” is under way to determine the cause of the incident. Arawak maintains that the health and safety of employees has always been a priority.

“On Sunday, December 27, 2020 at approximately 3 a.m., employees were undertaking a routine operational procedure on the 7th floor of our preheater tower. During this activity, hot raw metal exited the cyclone, causing one of our employees Brian Moore, to be covered in this hot material.  Another employee, Vincent Ellis was also exposed to the hot raw metal on his arm and leg.  Both employees sustained burns but regrettably, Brian succumbed to his injuries and passed away on Monday, December 28, 2020.

“Vincent is in stable condition and doing well,” the statement said.

The statement said from the moment the incident occurred, emergency protocols were activated to maintain the safety of the personnel  within the immediate surroundings.

“At this time, a thorough investigation is under way in order establish the cause of the accident and to prevent any future occurrences.

“As a leader in safety within the industry, with a zero fatalities record until now, the health and safety of our employees has always been our top priority. We will continue to invest in our health and safety management system and, most importantly, our employees.

“We are deeply saddened by this profound loss of one of our employees. At this time, we would like to express our sincerest condolences to his family and co-workers. We remain committed to providing continued support to the family during this time, as well as our employees through external grief counselling services.” (PR/KG)