CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: Time to push safety at work message to workers
News Straits Times Online, 19 Jun 2013
THE recent spate of accidents involving the construction industry is worrying. Steps must be taken to ensure a good image for the industry, especially in respect of contractors, sub-contractors and their employees.
The industry plays a vital role in a country's development. A skilful and professional workforce is needed to ensure Malaysia continues to develop and grow.
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.
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.
If accidents happen because of mechanical failure or natural occurrences it is understandable, but the least we can do is to overcome 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. 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 safety is 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 industry from the top management to the labourer at the work site. Developers have a responsibility to choose competent and safety-conscious contractors.
Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, chairman, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor
