Workers, not firms, face potentially fatal job risks
New Straits Times Online, 3 May 2014
PREVENTABLE DEATHS: System of workplace safety at construction sites must not be on a voluntary basis
IN the first four months of the year, Johor recorded six deaths in its booming construction sector.
Five of these were shockingly revealed to be from high-rise falls. Such numbers may not look serious, but we need to bear in mind this is still considered the first quarter of the year, and there is an urgent need to step up safety measures in the construction sector.
With so many job risks, it is no surprise that construction workers are more prone to serious injuries and, in some cases, fatalities, than other industries.
As a result, employers must continually strive for workplace safety compliance and, most importantly, their employees' health and wellbeing. After all, these deaths are preventable.
The state Workers Health and Safety Department (WHSD) said construction projects involving high-rise buildings carried more risks and should be monitored to avoid serious injuries or deaths. In the state, the advent of its rapid development will see more large construction projects that are complex and dynamic in the years ahead.
Several employers may work on one site simultaneously, with the mix of contractors changing with the various phases of the project.
For example, the main contractor is present at all times; the excavating contractors, early. Then, the concrete workers, electricians and plumbers, followed by floor finishers, painters and landscapers. With the added construction, it is essential that precautions be followed to protect workers' safety.
The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh) sets the guidelines that every employer must follow in regards to construction-worker safety.
The guidelines require all workers be trained on safety issues in the workplace because of the unique dangers they face while on the job. This training gives workers guidance on proper safety methods and may prevent injury or death.
Niosh requires employers to take the initiative to ensure that the work area is safe, and any dangerous and unnecessary obstacle must be removed to prevent injury. However, when a construction injury or death occurs because the company failed to take proper safety precautions, the company, in many cases, is held accountable.
In Johor, especially the Iskandar Malaysia corridor, development is charging at a rapid pace. Almost everywhere, there are signs of large-scale developments taking place. Luxury condominiums and commercial centres are the development staple in south Johor.
Currently, there is a national set of guidelines on safety in construction areas.
However, accidents and deaths still occur. But, the system of workplace safety at construction sites needs to be looked into, as at present, it is very much on a voluntary basis.
At present, most construction site workers work on the simple belief that their companies will cooperate on health and safety, and become equal partners in the pursuit of that cause.
But, the pressure by the main contractors are there, as well as the developers, as there is always a tight deadline to be met.
The problem for these workers is that companies do not get killed at work. Workers are the ones who get killed at work.
These concerns have been brought to public attention by the state WHSD, which recently took a proactive stand in promoting safety culture at construction sites with its "Zero Fall" campaign.
Like the department, it is hoped that other government agencies and associations can step up to the plate and make their voices heard on the matter.
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