Adopt behaviour-based safety system

THE recent spate of accidents in the construction industry is a matter of concern and steps must be taken to address the public’s anxiety over occupational safety and health (OSH) issues at worksites.

Increasingly, questions are being asked about the level of safety at construction sites and whether the industry has fully embraced the safety culture to make it free of accidents.

The construction industry plays a vital role in a country’s development and advancement. A skilful and professional workforce that is truly mindful of safety is needed to ensure that the construction industry continues to progress.

Prevention of accidents at work will be effective if both employers and employees inculcate a safe and healthy workplace culture.

We need to enhance our efforts to curb workplace accidents. Everyone’s involvement, from the developer to the contractor, consultant and worker, is crucial in achieving this.

An effective OSH management system is needed to create and implement a safety culture in the workplace.

It is also necessary to implement the behaviour-based safety system in the construction industry so that everyone will regard safety as his/her responsibility.

There can never be a complete discussion of workplace safety at construction sites without a detailed look into human behaviour. If accidents happen because of mechanical failure or natural occurrences, it can be understood, but the least we can do is to overcome the number of accidents that are caused by professional negligence, ineptitude and carelessness.

Although accidents can and do happen, there are various measures we can adopt to reduce the occurrence.

Every person is vulnerable and can potentially be involved in accidents. This reality must be driven into the minds of every person in every workplace so that negligence is not tolerated and safety is never compromised.

To prevent mishaps at construction sites, attention and priority must be given to safety aspects right from the conception of the project. OSH management must be practised at all levels of the industry, from top management to the labourer at the worksite.

Developers have a responsibility to choose competent and safety conscious contractors. During the tendering stage, it must be emphasised that the acceptance of low bidders should not be at the expense of safety and health.

The time has come for contractors who wish to bid for any construction contracts to provide a safety policy statement, a system of hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control (HIRARC) and also information on the experience and safety training given to their employees.

Although the government authorities enact laws and enforce them, the responsibility for implementing a safety system at the construction site lies mainly with the main and sub-contractors. Those who create the risks and hazards are in a better position to manage them.

Players in the construction industry should realise the dire consequences of flouting safety guidelines and cutting corners, poor design, shoddy workmanship and inadequate supervision.

If adequate safety standards are set, if safety procedures and regulations are strictly adhered to and closely supervised, I am certain accidents and loss of lives and limbs can be prevented.

TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE

Chairman

Alliance For Safe Community