Niosh: Developers, contractors reminded to comply with safety procedures

PETALING JAYA: Developers along with contractors at construction site must be reminded to strictly complies with safe working procedures, says the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh)

Its vice chairman senator Datuk T. Mohan noted the incident at the construction site at the Sungai Besi-Ulu Kelang Elevated Highway (SUKE) was the second this year.

"The Occupational Safety and Health Act (AKKP) 1994 clearly states that industry owners are responsible not only to their workers and contractors, but also to the general public," he said in a statement on Monday (March 22).

On Monday, three foreign workers were killed after a construction crane fell along the expressway.

Niosh had also advised developers and contractors to adopt the guidelines of hazard identification, risk assessment and control at construction sites in order to help workers identify hazards and risks.

It also helps find ways to avoid accidents and reduce the possibility of accidents to the public, said Niosh.

"Employers need to be committed in maintaining the safety and health of their employees, including the public who are exposed to the dangers and risks," he said.

Employers, he added, must take proactive steps to ensure that their workplace is monitored on a daily basis.

"Contractors must make it a point to regularly review safety aspects at construction sites.

"This is why, the role of personnel or competent persons in occupational safety and health and site safety supervisors are extremely crucial to ensure constant safety at construction sites.

There should be no compromises made on this," he said.