By: Aminata Sesay
The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security has launched an investigation into the death of a female worker at FG Gold Mining Company in Baomahun, Bo District, to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal workplace accident and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents.
Fatmata Mustapha, who worked as a spotter, died on October 3 after being struck by a grader during road construction activities in Valunia Chiefdom.
The investigation, led by Ing. Osman Conteh, involved consultations with police officers, company officials, health and safety personnel, medical staff and eyewitnesses to establish how the incident occurred.
During the inquiry, site foreman and MMU operator Peter Baidoo told investigators that he witnessed the grader approaching Mustapha while construction equipment was operating in the area. He described the incident as unfolding rapidly, leaving him unable to intervene.
Company paramedic Mark Murray told the team that Mustapha sustained fatal crush injuries from the grader’s front wheel. He suggested that she might have approached the operator’s cab to ask him to reverse because the machine was obstructing the road.
Murray said the scene was secured after the incident. He added that the grader operator, Samuel IT Clinton, underwent drug and alcohol tests, which returned negative results, before being taken into police custody for further investigation.
Inspector Menjor, the crime officer at Baomahun Police Station, said police became aware of the accident after seeing community members rushing towards the mining site. Officers subsequently visited the scene, arrested the operator and notified senior officers. Traffic officers from Bo later conducted further investigations.
Clinton told the inquiry that he had completed the grader’s pre-start checks before commencing work. He said he had taken over the machine from another operator and was grading the road and constructing drainage channels when he noticed Mustapha signalling him to stop as other vehicles approached.
According to Clinton, he stopped the machine and began reversing while checking his mirrors but could not explain how Mustapha came under the grader. He expressed remorse over her death, saying he was traumatized by the incident and concerned about the welfare of her children.
Beyond establishing the circumstances of the accident, the investigation has also highlighted concerns about the impact of Mustapha’s death on her family.
Her husband, Mustapha Bundu, told the investigation team that he was at work when the incident occurred and only learnt of his wife’s death after returning home. He acknowledged the company’s assistance with transportation, burial expenses and subsequent support to the family.
However, Bundu appealed for further assistance, particularly with the education of his children. He also requested that the company consider employing a member of the family to help sustain their livelihood following the loss.
Murray said the company had organised mental health support sessions for workers and others affected by the incident.
The Ministry’s investigation is expected to establish the circumstances and contributing factors surrounding the fatality and inform recommendations to strengthen occupational safety at the mining site.
The findings could help identify measures to reduce workplace risks and improve safety practices in areas where heavy machinery is used.