Labour Ministry exploring use of drones in health & safety inspections

Following in the footsteps of the Health Ministry which has been using drones in the execution of services, the Labour and Manpower Planning Ministry, is also exploring the possibilities of incorporating technology into its functions, particularly with the use of drones in the carrying out of occupational health and safety operations in the far-flung areas. This is according to the Minister, Keoma Griffith, who noted that the Ministry is moving to incorporate drone technology into its occupational health and safety operations, with plans already underway to train labour officers and acquire the necessary equipment to support inspections across Guyana’s challenging terrain. Griffith disclosed the initiative on Thursday while delivering remarks at the launch of Energy Services Solutions, a joint venture between Guyanese company Dragonfly Solutions Group Inc and Canadian firm ALTOMAXX Offshore, at Herdmanston Lodge. Griffith said the Ministry sees drone technology as a practical tool to improve the efficiency and reach of health and safety inspections, particularly in remote and high-risk areas.

“Drone technology has the ability to assist us in our health and safety inspections. When we consider the kind of terrain that Guyana has and the high risks that our people venture into every day to ensure the health and safety and wellbeing of our workers, this is an opportunity for us to improve efficiency with the use of technology,” Griffith said.

In a subsequent interview with this publication, the Minister said that the Ministry is serious about implementing the initiative and is currently preparing to train its labour officers in drone operations while simultaneously exploring the acquisition of suitable drones. “We’re currently engaging in training. We’re about to have our staff trained while we are in the process of trying to acquire said drones as well,” Griffith said. According to the Minister, the use of drones would allow inspectors to access locations that may be difficult or dangerous to reach physically, thereby strengthening the Ministry’s ability to monitor workplace safety across the country.

“With the kind of terrain that we have here in Guyana, we have to utilise modern avenues to ensure that we can be in reach of all aspects of health and safety inspection. If you are not physically able to go there, it doesn’t limit your ability to conduct these safety inspections,” Griffith explained. He further revealed that all labour officers are expected to receive training in drone technology, although the programme has not yet commenced. Griffith noted that the project could become operational in the near future and possibly before the end of the year. “It is possible that it can be done this year. [But first] we have to understand the scale of the drone that’s required and whether we can acquire it locally here or overseas,” he said.

Speaking on the role of technology in Guyana’s development, Griffith emphasised that innovation and specialised skills will increasingly define the country’s future workforce. “As our country continues to expand and diversify its economy, we must ensure that our workforce is prepared to meet the demands of emerging industries. Technology, innovation and specialised skills will increasingly shape the jobs of the future, and our people must be equipped to seize those opportunities,” he said.

He stressed that technology should not be viewed as a replacement for workers but rather as a tool that enhances productivity and creates new opportunities. “The future of work in Guyana will depend on our ability to adapt, learn and embrace emerging technologies while ensuring that our people remain at the centre of development,” Griffith said. Griffith also linked the initiative to the Government’s broader focus on workforce development, noting that emerging sectors such as drone operations, technical maintenance, data analysis and digital technologies are creating new employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for Guyanese. He underscored the need for investment in training, certification, technical and vocational education, as well as stronger collaboration among Government, industry and educational institutions to prepare workers for the jobs of the future.

“Guyana has always been a nation of resilience, adaptability and innovation. By embracing emerging technologies such as drone technology, we are signaling to the world that Guyana is prepared not only to participate in the future of work, but to help shape it,” Griffith said.