Mechanics at the Public Health Services Department under the Division of Health, Wellness and Social Protection stopped working Monday and yesterday, over what they called serious health and safety concerns at their Signal Hill servicing centre.
Senior welder at the site’s garage Sheldon Cooper said the workmen have been complaining about outdated, insufficient, and in some cases hazardous equipment. But Cooper said all attempts to have the issues resolved through both PNM and the current Tobago House of Assembly executive have been unsuccessful.
“Last week, they gave us a purchase order to go and get six boots. Presently in the garage there are 14 men. We want to know what happen to the rest of gears. We not accepting that, this problem has been going on too, too long.
“This is not anything for political mileage, this is safety for the workers. Presently the workers are not happy,” the senior welder explained.
He said the garage does not have a diagnostic machine, a safe ramp, safety tools and PPE, leaving workers at risk each day.
“We have one service jack for a ten-ton truck and it is a two-ton jack and that is a hazard. All how we try to reach the secretary and the others we can’t get them.”
Cooper said no proper facilities are available for the break period and so the workmen are made to stand in the kitchen area or sit on the outside in the garage to have lunch.
He said the workers are disappointed that they are treated with what they believed is scant courtesy especially when they are responsible for ensuring vehicles from over four THA divisions and entities under the THA are properly serviced.
Health Secretary Dr Faith B Yisrael said, “I’m awaiting a full report on what was reported.”
She added, “Please note though that most of what was reported isn’t accurate, and the long-standing issues are being addressed. The entire compound in Signal Hill needs to be refurbished—a detailed plan to do it in phases is being developed as we speak.”
