FREQUENT accidents involving the construction industry are of serious concern to Malaysians. Steps must be taken to address the issue and help ensure a good image for the industry, especially with regards to contractors, sub-contractors and foreign workers.
The latest accident occured on Saturday at a building construction site in Bangsar where two foreign workers were injured. It would appear that there is no end to accidents at construction sites.
Statistics from the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) show that, up to March 31 this year, accidents at construction sites caused 17 deaths, 32 non-permanent disabilities and three permanent disabilities.
Last year, there were 72 deaths with 94 non-permanent disabilities and six permanent disabilities due to construction site accidents. In 2013, 69 deaths were reported, 83 were non-permanent disability cases and 12 permanent disability cases. In 2012, there were 67 deaths, 98 non-permanent disability and 12 permanent disability cases.
The construction industry plays a vital role in a country’s development and advancement. A skilled and professional workforce is needed to ensure the construction industry continues to develop and grow while efforts need to be intensified to ensure safety at work-sites.
Prevention of workplace accidents will be effective if employers and employees are aware of the importance of having a safe and healthy workplace and culture. We need to enhance our efforts to curb workplace accidents. Everyone’s involvement is crucial if we want to achieve total safety culture in the construction industry, which is generally regarded as a high-risk industry.
An effective OSH management system will contribute towards achieving a total safety culture in the industry.
It is necessary to inculcate the behavioural-based safety concept so that everyone will regard safety as his responsibility.
There can never be a complete discussion of workplace safety at construction sites without a detailed look at 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 that we can adopt to limit occurrences. Accidents can be reduced if we make prudent and cautious work practices a part of our culture. Meticulousness about safety must be a core value for all those involved in the industry.
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 never compromised.
To avoid mishaps at construction sites, attention and priority must be given to safety at the conception of the project. OSH management must be practised at all levels of the construction industry from the 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, and information regarding 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 contractors and sub-contractors.
Those who create the risk and hazards are in a better position to manage them. Contractors or sub-contractors should, therefore, be responsible and fully committed to quality work, safety standards and practices.
Those in the construction industry should realise the dire consequences of flouting safety guidelines and cutting corners, poor design, shoddy workmanship and inadequate supervision. On the contrary, they must fully embrace and practise a total safety culture. If adequate safety standards are set, and safety procedures strictly adhered to and closely supervised, accidents and unnecessary loss of lives can be avoided.
Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, Niosh chairman