Senator the Honourable Leroy Baptiste, Minister of Labour, Small and Micro Enterprise Development, has expressed deep condolences following a fatal workplace accident in Kelly Village, Caroni that claimed the life of a sanitation worker last week.
The incident occurred on the evening of Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at approximately 9:15 p.m., when Mr. Deshawn Joseph died while engaged in sanitation operations. Minister Baptiste joined Prime Minister the Honourable Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC in extending sympathies to the family, friends, colleagues and all those affected by the tragedy.
The Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA), which falls under the Ministry of Labour, has since launched a formal investigation into the circumstances of Mr. Joseph’s death. Minister Baptiste confirmed he has been advised that the Agency is conducting the necessary inquiries in keeping with its statutory responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
“Senator Baptiste wishes to assure the family of the deceased and the wider public that OSHA will continue to exercise its powers and perform its functions,” the ministry stated, adding that it fully supports the agency in carrying out its legislative mandate.
The incident has drawn significant public concern, and officials are urging restraint while the investigation runs its course.
In his statement, Minister Baptiste used the occasion to remind all employers, contractors and workplace managers of their obligations to workers. He stressed that safe systems of work, proper training, effective supervision and appropriate risk control measures are non-negotiable elements of any workplace.
“The protection of human life must remain at the centre of every workplace decision,” the minister said, noting that fatalities carry far-reaching consequences for families, coworkers and communities. “We must all remain steadfast in our collective commitment to ensuring that every worker returns home safely at the end of the workday.”