Safeguard both workers and the public

THE time has come for the Government to strongly consider setting up a special committee or task force to evaluate the safety of all construction sites in the country.

There have been many accidents on construction sites in the past few years, hurting or killing not just workers but passers-by as well. Last year, for example, two people were killed when a static crane at a construction site in Jalan Astana, Meru, Klang suddenly collapsed and fell onto their car.

All these incidents, including the latest tragedy in Penang, require immediate and proactive response by the relevant authorities to ensure safety at construction sites is in line with the existing regulations and standards.

Stern action should be taken against any person, whether employer or employee, who take the safety issue lightly or for granted under the Malaysian Penal Code (Act 574) and the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSHA) (Act 514).

Having laws on safety is one thing but doing safety inspections is another. It is crucial for the enforcement agencies to carry out constant safety inspections at all construction sites to ensure that safety at such sites is at the highest level.

The issue of safety should be given top priority at all construction sites as it affects not just the workers inside the site but also the public who are innocent bystanders.