BUKIT MERTAJAM: The Penang Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) has ordered all work activities to be halted immediately at a site on Jalan Guar Perahu Indah, where an Indonesian worker was killed after being crushed by a wall.
In a statement on Saturday (May 30) night, the department said several witnesses and employer representatives have been asked to present themselves at the DOSH office to assist with further investigations.
In the fatal accident, which occurred on Friday (May 29), a male worker is believed to have been crushed by a wall while carrying out demolition work at a premises undergoing renovation.
"The accident was reported to have occurred around 3pm when the victim, along with several other workers, was carrying out demolition work on the wall in the staircase area of the building.
“The victim was pronounced dead at the scene due to severe injuries sustained," it said.
Preliminary investigations found that works were being carried out by a contractor company appointed to carry out demolition and internal renovation on the premises.
According to the DOSH, the workers involved were using demolition equipment to break the structure when the wall collapsed and crushed the victim.
An investigation into the incident is being conducted under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (Act 514) to identify the cause of the incident and determine whether there has been any violation of the applicable occupational safety and health legal provisions.
"The DOSH wants to remind all employers, contractors, and parties in control of the workplace to always conduct adequate risk assessments before starting any demolition work, ensure safe work methods are implemented, and provide effective supervision to prevent accidents that could result in serious injuries or death," it added. – Bernama
