More spot checks to reduce worksite accidents

PETALING JAYA: Spot checks at construction sites will be intensified to reduce the number of deaths and injuries, said Works Minister Datuk Fadillah Yusof.

He said the ministry would work with local councils, the Immigration Department, the Department of Occupational Safety and Health and the Health Ministry to conduct integrated checks on worksites nationwide, beginning with Government-linked projects.

“Our goal is to reduce the number of accidents, deaths and injuries as well damage to property. We are not doing this to penalise anyone but to inculcate a culture among those in the construction industry that safety and health aspects need to be adhered to,” he told reporters after visiting the UniKL-Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology construction site in Subang Jaya yesterday.

He said a team of experts tasked to improve industry practices had cited carelessness in its report as among the reasons why construction accidents occurred in the country.

“Carelessness is definitely a factor. We are looking at whether guidelines are properly followed, and if there is a lack of enforcement or understanding of rules.

“Everyone needs to play his part to reduce the risk of accidents, including professional bodies which act as advisers to project owners, developers, local councils, contractors, health, safety and construction personnel,” he added.

Fadillah said 164 accidents were reported at construction sites last year which resulted in 69 fatalities.

Besides this, he said 12 workers lost their ability to work and 83 suffered injuries.

“There were four cases in April this year which resulted in loss of life and serious injuries, including one worker who died after falling off a scaffolding and another killed after his crane collapsed,” he added.

The Construction Industry Development Board, he added, had inspected 1,303 constructions sites this year as of April.

The experts committee, set up last year following a string of construction accidents, is looking at a wide spectrum of issues, such as design, implementation of projects, materials, legal framework, safety, weaknesses in standard operating procedures and enforcement.

On the proposed restructuring of toll rates, Fadillah said a government-level meeting would be held on Monday with the relevant ministries to discuss feedback from concessionaires.