Zero Fall Campaign launched to reduce risks

New Straits Times Online, 29 April 2014

JOHOR BARU: Those involved in the booming construction sector here have been urged to step up their health and safety measures after the state recorded six deaths in the first four months of this year.

Johor Workers Health and Safety Department (JKKP) director Omar Mat Piah said construction projects involving high rises carried more risks and should be monitored to avoid serious injuries or death.

"The department's statistics showed 11 deaths were recorded in the construction sector last year, where 10 of the cases were fatal falls from high places.

"This year saw six deaths, where five were fatalities from high places," he said at a state-level launch of the Zero Fall Campaign on Monday.

Omar said the campaign was the first by JKKP to minimise risks associated with working in high areas.

He said the construction sector in Johor is enjoying a boom time with more than 600 active construction sites with 75 per cent of them located within the state capital.

Omar said his department has planned several action plans that coincide with the campaign.

Checks, audit and also investigations at construction sites will be carried out.

"JKKP will step up enforcement at construction sites of high-rises and will not hesitate to take action against those who flout the rules," he warned.

Present at the event were Kimlun Sdn Bhd managing director Firdaus Saif and Tanah Sutera Development Sdn Bhd deputy managing director Koh Moo Heng.

Cetak Emel