KUCHING, June 10: National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has called on all stakeholders, especially the construction sector to step up risk assessment and hazard identification at work sites to prevent accidents from happening.
NIOSH chairman Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong raised this following the incident at Rambungan ferry point in Lundu yesterday where the front end of a car was smashed by a steel structure which had fallen on it, narrowly missing its passengers.
“NIOSH is very concerned about any incidents that may cause potential injury or death to workers and even the public.
“Control measures over any incidents that could bring about harm and threats need to be developed and constantly improved.
“Any potential hazards can be controlled and any accidents can be prevented from happening that could cause harm to workers and the public,” Wilson said in a statement today.
This incident, he added, should serve as a lesson and reminder for all stakeholders that dangers are everywhere and accidents can happen at anytime, thus it was crucial to prioritise safety in all daily activities being carried out.
Wilson thus reminded all stakeholders especially employers and employees to comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSHA 1994) as well as all laws related to employment.
He also urged all stakeholders involved to always conduct risk assessment at the workplace as any work activity involving new construction, overhauling, structural additions, renovations and even upgrading is extremely dangerous with high risk.
“Hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control (HIRARC) must be developed by employers as guidelines for post, during and after any work activities.
“In addition to efficiency and skill factors of workers, the use of equipment and fittings such as machines and machinery should be regulated in accordance with existing safety procedures,” he said.
According to OSHA 1994, Wilson pointed out that developers and construction contractors must ensure that a competent person (OYK) is assigned and present in every construction project.
“Safety and health officers and construction site safety supervisors are important OYK who are obliged to regulate and control any activity on the construction site.
“The practice of self-regulation must become a culture at the workplace.
Wilson warned that failure in complying with the law and regulations will not only result in action being taken against those responsible but human negligence could also lead to mishap on people and damages on properties.
“NIOSH is committed to help the State government, developers, contractors and all stakeholders involved in giving training, advice and awareness on occupational safety and health at the workplace,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Ports Development has issued a stop work order to the contractor following the incident that happened at about 8.30am yesterday.
Assistant Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi has also instructed the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak to carry out a proper and in-depth investigation on the incident. — DayakDaily
