JOHOR BARU: Two operators have died while another is warded after inhaling toxic gas during an incident at a scheduled waste management and treatment plant in the Pasir Gudang Industrial Estate.
The Johor Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) said that an investigation is underway to identify the cause of the accident which happened on Tuesday, and involved three operators assigned to run the Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) at the premises.
“The three victims were taken to the Sultan Ismail hospital. However, two were pronounced dead on arrival, while the third is reported to be in stable condition,” DOSH said in a statement.
According to DOSH, initial investigations found that the incident was likely caused by the release of a toxic gas – hydrogen sulfide – in one of the WWTP’s sump pits.
The incident occurred while the victims were on duty during the 7pm shift.
Two of them were found unconscious around 9.15pm, while the third collapsed after experiencing shortness of breath when trying to help.
“Another worker nearby realised the gravity of the situation upon seeing the three workers lying unconscious and alerted the factory management for urgent action,” it added, Bernama reported.
Following the incident, DOSH issued two prohibition notices and three improvement notices related to the factory’s WWTP work activities, along with an order to close the entire accident site until the investigation is complete.
“The department views every accident that occurs in the workplace seriously and advises employers to be more vigilant regarding safety and health aspects at the factory.”
The statement added that employers are also advised to conduct a risk assessment for each job activity and take control measures.
On Sept 30, the Fire and Rescue Department conducted an operation following a chemical odour pollution incident at a factory on Jalan Platinum, which also involved three victims.
