KUCHING April 12: Sarawak’s Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) will conduct an enforcement operation in the plantation sector from April 14 to June 16.
According to a news report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Sarawak DOSH director, Ir Dr Nor Halim Hasan, revealed that this operation is to increase the level of occupational safety and health (OSH) in the workplace and to take legal action against employers who failed to comply with the legislation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 1994.
He explained that it will be carried out comprehensively in all workplaces across the plantation sector in Sarawak.
“The main focus of this operation is to ensure that safe operating procedures based on risk assessment of dangerous work on the farm are being followed, including the use of farm vehicles and equipment used for farming activities.
“Based on past accident cases, among the work activities which contribute a lot to accidents in the farming sector, are activities such as picking and collecting fruit in areas where there are high voltage cables, the use of tractor machinery for collecting farm produce and land excavation and clearing activities in the fields,” he said in a statement.
Nor Halim added that Sarawak’s occupational accident statistics show that the plantation sector has the second highest number of fatal accidents after the manufacturing sector.
“This sector contributed to four cases of fatal accidents in 2022, two cases in 2021 and nine cases in 2020.
“For permanent disability, accidents (HUK), three cases were recorded in 2022, followed by two cases in 2021 and four cases in 2020.
“While for accidents without permanent disability (THUK), a total of 85 cases were recorded in 2022, followed by 77 cases in 2021 and 106 cases reported in 2020.
“Based on records, as many as four cases were prosecuted in court with a total penalty value of RM 60,500 and three cases have been subject to compound action with a total fine value of RM 45,000,” he said.
In the meantime, Nor Halim emphasised that strict legal action will be taken against the responsible parties if they commit violations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994.
“JKKP Sarawak would take every accident that occurs seriously, and all employers are urged to improve the level of occupational safety and health at the workplace every time, especially during the festive season.
“All stakeholders from all levels need to work together and join hands to create a safe, healthy and conducive environment in all workplaces,” he said. — DayakDaily
