NIOSH asks contractors to review all construction site safety aspects

KUALA LUMPUR: National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) vice-chairman Datuk T. Mohan has urged developers, main contractors and sub-contractors to ensure all construction works comply with legal requirements and safe operating procedures.

Mohan said employers should be committed in ensuring the safety and health of their workers, and members of the public who may be at risk.

"Contractors are reminded to review all safety aspects at construction sites to ensure they are safe for workers and the public," he said in a statement today.

He was commenting on the crane collapse that killed three workers at the Sungai Besi-Ulu Kelang Elevated Expressway (SUKE) at Puncak Bayan, Persiaran Alam Damai, Cheras yesterday morning.

The incident was the second this year involving construction sites.

Mohan said the role of personnel or competent people in occupational safety and health such as safety and health officers or construction site safety supervisors is very important in ensuring construction sites remain safe.

He said the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 also states clearly the duties of industry owners not only towards workers and contractors but also the public.

As such, he said, the authorities must conduct further investigations to identify the cause of the accident.

"There are many aspects that require attention, including the crane operator, prevailing conditions or the weather during the operation of the crane, and work procedures, among other factors," he said.

-- BERNAMA