To ensure greater accountability over deaths and accidents at construction sites, the government plans to revise the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1994, reported the New Straits Times.
“The provisions of the existing laws clearly state that the employer or main contractor will be responsible, but now we will include the developer and the designer to shoulder the responsibility as well,” said Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Director-General Omar Mat Piah.
“Currently the amendments are being finalised and it will then be tabled in the Parliament.”
Strengthening the rules is important as 4,266 worksite accidents occurred in Malaysia last year with 183 people killed, which is three times higher than accidents and fatalities seen at other kinds of workplaces.
He said this after supervising a Cegah Jatuh (fall prevention) operation in Ampang earlier last week, particularly at high-rise buildings and construction sites that need heavy lifting. Omar added that the surprise safety inspection is being conducted across Malaysia.
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The Edge reported that the operation has so far inspected 96 construction sites, resulting in the issuance of 656 notices of compliance and 61 safety breaches, including lack of planning for lifting activities, exposed barriers at high level work sites, as well as lack of entry and exit passage for heavy vehicles.
DOSH said that building contractors with safety violation will need to pay a fine of up to RM50,000 for each infringement.
Image sourced from The Straits Times
This article was edited by the editorial team of PropertyGuru. To contact them about this or other stories email editorialteam@propertyguru.com.my
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