Road contractors must adopt occupational safety and health (OSH) practices at worksites. — Filepic
IN THE interest of public safety, I have to highlight the many hazards arising due to poor roadwork practices by contractors.
I have observed that many contractors do not pay heed to the importance of public safety.
It is common to see inadequate or shoddy road signs, signals and markers placed at the worksite in an attempt to warn motorists of hazards.
At the same time, these contractors put themselves at risk when they do not place adequate safety cones along roads when carrying out their work.
For example, we can often see workers cleaning up planter boxes along road dividers without placing safety cones at an appropriate distance to alert oncoming traffic.
Additionally, sometimes roadworks signs and signals are not placed properly, causing confusion to motorists and endangering road users, especially at night when visibility is low.
Some contractors also take up too much of the road when carrying out work, causing unnecessary congestion.
Worksites can also be very messy, with construction debris clogging drains, leading to flash floods.
Potholes near the worksites are also a common sight and go unrepaired until repeated public complaints.
Why are these contractors not practising proper occupational safety and health (OSH) measures at the worksites?
Is it because they are not aware of the importance of OSH management?
It is time the authorities acted against such contractors who have no regard for public safety.
Do we have to wait for more accidents, fatalities and tragedies to occur before something is done to ensure that all roadwork contractors practise good OSH management?
My observation is that we have first-class highway infrastructure but third-class mentality when it comes to safety and health practices at worksites.
Another recurring issue is road signage being obstructed by branches and leaves planted along roads, whether it be on federal, state, city or town roads.
This is due to poor maintenance by local councils and other authorities.
I urge all the relevant parties to undertake regular maintenance of trees and plants along our roads and highways to ensure all road signs are free from any form of obstruction.
The time has come for a new era that emphasises the development of a strong maintenance and safety culture.
Let this be a resolution for all parties involved in roadworks.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
Chairman, Alliance For A Safe Community
