GEORGE TOWN: The Human Resources Ministry has ordered a team of investigating officers from the state Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) to conduct a thorough investigation to identify the cause of the collapse of a logistics warehouse here.
It said the team would also determine whether there was a violation of the requirements of the law under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994.
"Penang DOSH has also issued an immediate order to stop all works in the area for investigation purposes.
"The accident that claimed the lives of workers is deeply regretted.
"The ministry, through the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (NCOSH) and DOSH, is committed and will continue to strive to improve the level of occupational safety and health in this country, including in the construction sector," it said.
The ministry also expressed its sadness and condolences to the victims and the families of the victims.
Three Bangladeshi construction workers died in the incident while another two were seriously injured.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994, it is every employers' duty to ensure safety, health and welfare of all its employees as well as the general public in the workplaces under their control.
The employers have full control over any activities in the workplaces, make risk analysis and conduct risk control which is effective before employees carry out work activities.
According to the ministry, this is to reduce safety risks on workers and the public and avoid the occurrence of an accident.
In addition, Occupational Safety and Health Guidelines (OKH) in the Construction Industry (Management) 2017 or OSHCIM also requires each party in the construction industry, including clients, designers and contractors to play their roles and carry out their respective responsibilities at the workplace as early as the design stage of the construction project.