Practise safety at construction sites
The Star Online, 19 Jun 2013
THE recent spate of accidents in the construction industry is a matter of concern to Malay-sians and steps must be taken to address the issue and help ensure a good image for the industry especially in respect of contractors, sub-contractors and their employees.
The construction industry plays a vital role in a country’s development and advancement.
A skillful and professional workforce is needed to ensure that the construction industry continues to develop.
Prevention of workplace accidents will be effective if employers and employees are aware of the importance of having a safe workplace.
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.
An effective Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) management system will contribute towards achieving a total safety culture in the industry.
It is necessary to inculcate the Behavioural Based Safety concept to the construction industry 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 into human behaviour.
If accidents happen because of mechanical failure or natural occurrences it is beyond our control.
What we can do is to reduce the number of accidents that are caused by professional negligence, ineptitude and carelessness.
Accidents can be reduced if we make prudent and cautious work practices part of our culture.
Being meticulous about safety measures must be a core value for all those involved in the construction 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 is never compromised.
To avoid mishaps at the construction sites, attention and priority must be given to safety at the start of the project.
OSH management must be practised at all levels of the construction industry from the top management to the workers 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 bid for construction contracts to provide a safety policy statement, a system of hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control and also 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 main and sub-contractors.
Those who create the risk and hazards are in better position to manage them. Contractors or sub-contractors should therefore be responsible and be fully committed to quality work, safety standards and practices.
Those involved in the construction industry should realise the dire consequences of flouting safety guidelines, cutting corners, poor design, shoddy workmanship and inadequate supervision.
If adequate safety standards are set and safety procedures and regulations are strictly adhered to and closely supervised, I am certain accidents and unnecessary loss of lives and limbs at the workplace can be avoided.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
Chairman
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
