GEORGE TOWN: More surprise checks at construction sites may reduce workplace accidents, the Consumers' Association of Penang said.
Its president S.M. Mohamed Idris said at least 1,200 workers had suffered from permanent disabilities while 50 deaths resulting from bad occupational safety practices were recorded up to August last year.
“The statistics illustrate the ineffectiveness of the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) in sending the message across to construction companies that laws have to be complied with at all times.
“It makes a mockery of notices at worksites proclaiming "Safety First”. Putting up these notices do not absolve the industries from liability for injuries and death,” he told a press conference here yesterday.
Idris said although the present laws were sufficient, an overhaul of DOSH standard operating procedures was urgently needed.
He said DOSH’s excuse that its officers cannot be at all worksites at all times as well as reluctance by workers to don safety gear was unacceptable.
“The Human Resource Ministry disclosed in June 2015 that 92.5 per cent of construction sites do not comply with DOSH specifications.
“This is a serious indictment of the DOSH Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in carrying out its duties to prevent such non-compliance with the laws,” he said .
Idris said the only way to reduce workplace accidents is via surprise onsite checks, along with a stringent audit of Occupational Safety and Health consultants in construction companies.
He said more laws would not work, but a total overhaul in SOP undertaken by the DOSH could.
“Since the enforcement of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 over 25 years ago, DOSH has not been able to discipline the employers of people working at jobs that pose daily risks to their safety and health.
“Only with strict enforcement of the law on an ongoing basis will the people take DOSH seriously. Otherwise it will just be a mockery of the law,” Idris said.
