Contractors causing hazards on the road

IN THE interest of public safety on the road, I have to highlight the many hazards arising from road works.

I have observed that many road work contractors do not pay attention to the importance of safety for the public.

Contractors involved in upgrading or repair works of our roads do not observe road safety as shown by the inadequate and shoddy signage, signals and markers placed at the worksite to warn motorists of hazards and dangers.

Sometimes, road work signage and signals are not put up appropriately, causing confusion among motorists and resulting in danger to other road users especially at night.

It appears to me that most road work contractors have no regard for road and public safety.

When road works are going on, the contractors occupy as much road space as possible, giving rise to traffic congestion.

The worksites are very disorderly and nearby drains are often clogged with construction debris, leading to flash floods in the surrounding area.

Potholes near the worksites are a common occurrence and these are often only repaired after much public complaint.

The question is why aren’t these road work contractors practising occupational safety and health (OSH) at their worksites?

Or are they not aware of the importance of OSH management at their worksites?

It is high time the relevant authorities take action against errant road work contractors who have no regard for public safety.

Do we have to wait for more accidents, fatalities and tragedies to occur before something drastic is done to ensure that all road work contractors practise good OSH management?

Looking at the present state of affairs of our road upgrading or construction work, I can safely conclude that we have first-class highway and road infrastructure but a third-class mentality when it comes to the practice of safety and health at these worksites.

Another case in point is the frequent complaint that our road signage on federal, state, city and town roads are often obstructed by branches and leaves of trees planted along those roads.

The problem arises because of poor maintenance by the relevant authorities who make no effort to prune the tree branches and leaves which obstruct the signage.

I would suggest that all relevant authorities undertake proper maintenance of trees and plants along our roads and highways so that road signage is free from any form of obstruction.

The time has come for the emergence of a new era that emphasises on the development of a strong maintenance and safety culture.

TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE

Chairman, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)