Safety is top priority for MRT Corp
The New Straits Times Online, 18 January 2014
KUALA LUMPUR: Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) said public safety was a top priority at all Sungai Buloh--Kajang Mass Rapid Transit project work sites.
Responding to queries on the safety of structures at the Maarof Interchange, MRT Corp strategic communications and public relations director Amir Mahmood Razak said the site was one of the most challenging because of the extreme space constraints and heavy traffic.
"We impose a safety, health and environment (SHE) standard operating procedure (SOP) at all sites without exception," he said.
"First, this requires the sites to be hoarded up, which separates the work area from public areas.
"This varies between plastic New Jersey barriers or aluminium hoardings.
"This ensures that all work, including the operation of any machinery including cranes, will not endanger the public."
Amir said barriers were adjusted if there was not enough space to operate machinery. In extreme cases, he added, parts of the road may be closed temporarily.
He said sign posts and the appropriate reflectors and blinkers were installed to warn road users of the changes.
Amir said that the SHE and SOP prohibited lifting activities across live traffic.
"The work area at the Maarof Interchange and Sprint Highway is a very busy one, with Maarof being a major artery linking Petaling Jaya to Bangsar.
"So, if lifting needs to be done, flag men will temporarily stop vehicles from coming through. While inconvenient, this safety precaution is necessary to ensure public safety."
He said MRT Corp also ensured that the crane operators were certified and lifting activities were cleared by a lifting supervisor.
Amir added that these activities were recorded and audited.
"The implementation of and adherence to the SHE and SOP are the responsibility of the work package contractor's safety officer," said Amir.
"A supervising consultant monitors and audits the implementation of the SOP, while strict enforcement by MRT Corp and our project delivery partner ensures that our contractors are kept on their toes."
He said all workspace above live traffic, such as on the steel trusses above the Sprint Highway, were properly secured with barriers and enclosures to protect vehicles and persons that pass underneath them.
He said regular meetings were held by MRT Corp's standard and compliance department with all parties to ensure strict adherence to safety practices listed in the SHE and SOP.
Failure to follow safety procedures can result in warnings, point deductions in an internal merit system, stop work orders, dismissal of personnel or termination of contractors.
"MRT Corp is serious about safety on site, and while it may result in temporary inconvenience for the public, it is necessary to ensure public and worker safety.
"However, if the public feel unsafe or notice activities which they believe are unsafe, they should immediately call the MRT hotline," he added.
He said an investigation would be conducted within half an hour of full details being obtained from the complainant.
The MRT hotline 1-800 82 6868 operates 24 hours daily.
