The Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of sanitation employee Deshawn Joseph, who was killed while on duty last week.A statement yesterday from Minister of Labour Leroy Baptiste said while the incident has generated significant public concern, given the seriousness of the matter, it is important that the ongoing investigation by the OSHA be afforded the opportunity to proceed in accordance with its statutory responsibilities.Joseph, of Springvale in Claxton Bay, was collecting garbage when the truck reversed and ran over him.The 20-year-old man sustained multiple blunt force trauma by a motor vehicle, which led to his death, a post-mortem last Friday stated.The tragic incident occurred around 7.15 p.m. last week Tuesday while Joseph was along a route in Kelly Village in Caroni.In the statement, Baptiste said he joined with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to offer his sincere condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and all those affected by the tragic workplace incident that resulted in the death of Joseph while he was engaged in sanitation operations.“The circumstances surrounding this incident have understandably generated significant public concern. Given the seriousness of the matter, it is important that the ongoing investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Agency be afforded the opportunity to proceed in accordance with its statutory responsibilities,” Baptiste said in the statement.“OSHA, which falls under the purview of the Ministry of Labour, Small and Micro Enterprise Development and is responsible for the administration and enforcement of occupational safety and health legislation in Trinidad and Tobago, has commenced an investigation into the matter,” it added.Baptiste indicated he has been advised the agency is undertaking the necessary enquiries in accordance with its statutory responsibilities.According to the statement, Baptiste said he wished to assure the family of the deceased and the wider public that OSHA will continue to exercise its powers and perform its functions under the Occupational Safety and Health Act in relation to this matter, and the ministry fully supports OSHA in the execution of its legislative mandate.“This tragic incident serves as a reminder to all employers, contractors and persons responsible for managing workplaces that the safety, health and welfare of workers must always be treated as a paramount responsibility.“Safe systems of work, effective supervision, proper training, clear communication and appropriate risk control measures are essential components of every workplace. Employers must remain vigilant in fulfilling their obligations to protect workers and prevent workplace injuries and fatalities,” the statement read.“The protection of human life must remain at the centre of every workplace decision. Workplace fatalities have far-reaching consequences for families, co-workers and communities. We must all remain steadfast in our collective commitment to ensuring that every worker returns home safely at the end of the workday,” it added.