'Conduct probe on death of Indonesian workers'
New Straits Times Online, 29 July 2013
JOHOR BARU: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health ( NIOSH) has called for swift action to be taken by the relevant authority in conducting a probe on the cause of the accident that killed two Indonesian workers at a construction site in Taman Gaya here on Saturday afternoon.
NIOSH chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye called on the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) to carry out the necessary investigation as the incident was a matter of public concern.
Lee said in a statement that there have been far too many accidents and needless deaths at construction sites over the years with many foreign workers ending up as victims and casualties.
He said such accidents could be avoided if the workers and others involved took safety seriously.
"It is the responsibility of the site safety supervisor to monitor the safety of the project," Lee said in a statement.
He added that what is regrettable were that lessons were not learnt from previous accidents and they keep on recurring.
It is time for all those involved at construction sites to take safety issues more seriously and undertake behavioral change and inculcate an appreciation towards safety and health.
Establishing a safe work environment at all construction sites requires a strong safety management system involving all site safety.
Lee said the usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) by the workers is also essential to prevent occupational accidents arising from work at construction sites.
Two Indonesians - Aripen, 24, and Asmawi, 27, believed to be from East Jawa, died after part of the floor caved in while they were repairing a crack on the beam run.
