A representative of the International Labour Organisation is in Grand Bahama to conduct an examination and participate in the continuing audit of the safety and health standards, procedures and protocols pertaining to the Grand Bahama Shipyard.
David Sparks’ participation in the investigations being carried out the Shipyard is another component in the six-point plan submitted by Minister of Immigration and Labour Vincent Peet, following the explosion that resulted in the death of Wendell “Sarge” Maxxam last month.
Joseph Darville, director of work force development at the shipyard, during a press conference on Monday, welcomed Mr. Sparks to The Bahamas and in particular to the Shipyard to carry out his investigation, concentrating upon all of the issues which impact the safety and well being of workers in the Shipyard.
Mr. Sparks noted that he is here “to look at the strengths and weaknesses of Bahamian and international legislation as it relates to safety at the Shipyard,” emphasizing that his is not in Grand Bahama to “investigate the accident.”
“It is not my job to point a finger, but to see if applicable legislation is sufficient to create a safer workplace,” Mr. Sparks said.
Mr. Sparks’ credentials list him as an experienced safety and health auditor, having spent an apprenticeship at sea.
With an extensive marine background, he served as a deck officer for several years, working at container terminals, cargo handling, quality management systems and management and safety systems with a number of companies.
He also worked for 12 years as an independent consultant for global maritime and international organisations and large shipping companies.
It has been one week since an independent safety auditor, Jeff Arkle from P and K Consulting, England, completed another week-long investigation exercise at Shipyard.
Mr. Darville disclosed that the ILO auditor will remain at the Shipyard for the entire week, examining health and safety procedures at the Shipyard.
Following this, Mr. Sparks is expected to write a report with copies forwarded to the minister and executives of the Shipyard.
“We are pleased that a representative of the ILO is conducting the examination,” said Mr. Darville, adding that the ILO is an internationally recognised organisation which aspires to the “highest standards and aspirations for the workforce.”
Frederick Smith, counsel for the Shipyard, noted that it is imperative that the government, the Grand Bahama Port Authority and the industrial enterprises in Freeport work cooperatively to establish and maintain appropriate environmental, health and safety standards and regulations.
“The exercise being conducted at the Shipyard, with the openness and transparency which is being manifested, is unique and hopefully will act as a foundation for the development of appropriate environmental, health and safety standards and regulations for Freeport,” Mr. Smith said.
Obie Ferguson, counsel representing Shipyard employees and Harold Grey, president of the Grand Bahama Port Authority Workers Union (GBPAWU), both agreed and expressed “appreciation for the continued transparency and cooperation” of Shipyard management.
“The GBPAWU is a member of the Trade Union Congress, which is associated with the ILO, and we consider this a good gesture on behalf of the Shipyard and the Government to have someone of Mr. Sparks� background conduct an assessment,” Mr. Ferguson said.
Noting that in their investigation they “are not here to point fingers,” Mr. Ferguson added, “We are here to objectively examine the situation so that, in the future, measures can be taken to avoid a repetition of this tragedy.
This process will help to create a safer workplace.
Mr. Ferguson stressed that since “we started this exercise, there has been an atmosphere of cooperation.”
The said the Shipyard has been “very receptive, and openness and transparency have been the hallmark of the day.
“All documents requested so far have been made available,” Mr. Ferguson said.
Union President Gray said the workers and the union are “well pleased with the process and progress thus far.”
“The union and workers encourage those in authority to continue to implement safety regulations to reduce accidents,” Mr. Gray said. “I am not blaming anyone. We just want the proper safety apparatus to be in place.”
Barbara Walkin, The Freeport News
