Panel to supervise safety levels a must

THE time has come for the government to strongly consider setting up a special committee to supervise safety levels at all construction sites in the country.

This is based on the landslide incident that happened last Friday at a construction site of the paired road at Jalan Bukit Kukus in Paya Terubong, Penang that caused several deaths.

On record, such an incident at a construction site is not the first one to happen in the country.

All these landslide incidents require immediate response by the relevant authorities in the country to ensure the safety levels at construction sites are in line with the rules, regulations, and standards provided by the nation’s safety laws.

Employers in particular play a very important role in ensuring safety at their construction site is at the highest level.

Stern legal action should be taken against any person, either employer or employee, who neglects safety and takes safety concerns lightly at the worksite, and causes injury or even death to anyone.

Having safety laws are one thing, but conducting safety inspections are another. It is very crucial for the enforcement agencies to carry out constant safety inspections at all construction sites in order to ensure safety levels are high.

The issue should be given top priority at all construction sites and should not be jeopardised under any circumstances.