A National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) employee died just days after being electrocuted while on duty. The employee’s death last Friday caused operations to come to a temporary stop at the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) on Wednesday morning as workers protested the death.
The strike drew relatives of the deceased alongside employees, who gathered just outside the agency’s offices to call for justice, citing what they described as the company’s silence and lack of concern.
The incident involved a sanitation worker, identified as Garfield Johnson, who was electrocuted while on duty on January 16. Reports say that Johson was injured in Greenwich Farm, St Andrew, where the garbage truck he was working on got caught up in an electrical wire. He suffered severe burns and had to be quickly hospitalised. Despite treatment, he succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday, January 27.
The following day, a protest was staged, during which relatives were seen crying while some held placards with “RIP” and “No Justice”. Persons close to the deceased expressed that the company has not contacted them regarding the incident.
According to the Jamaica Observer, a friend of the deceased said, “The incident happened, and no one from the company has come out to say anything to us.”
However, the agency denied that there was a lack of communication. Executive Director of the NSWMA, Audley Gordon, told the media that several officials, including himself, have visited the hospital where Johnson was admitted and reached out to the family. The officials also began the process to have him airlifted to a burn unit for advanced treatment, but he passed away before it was completed.
Gordon acknowledged that the workers are mourning and said the agency is giving them space to process the tragedy. He said the death has impacted everyone at the company, describing Johnson as a “family member”.
Gordon also spoke about Johnson’s dedication to his work, saying that he continued to serve until the end of his life. He said the presence of management at the scene of the protest was a sign of respect and recognition of the moment staff members are experiencing.
NSWMA released a statement praising Johnson as a committed sanitation officer. The statement confirmed that police are probing the incident. Another investigation was initiated by the Jamaica Public Service (JPS).
Continuing, NSWMA extended condolences to Johnson’s family, coworkers, and loved ones. The statement added, “The NSWMA honours the life, service, and sacrifice of Garfield Johnson and joins the nation in mourning his passing.”
