Consider safety of workers, contractors told
SIBU: Workers doing road maintenance, grass cutting and fogging are exposed to accidents if proper safety measures are not put in place.
The Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Sarawak urged contractors to be vigilant about safety as there are measures they need to consider prior to and during execution of a job.
“How often have we come across road maintenance workers, grass cutters and fogging workers working on the road or close to road curbs without adequate warning signs pointing out their presence?
“Working under such conditions is dangerous to themselves and road users who might accidentally come into contact with the workers. The risk of an accident happening increases in the late evening as visibility deteriorates,” Sarawak DOSH director Mohd Hatta Zakaria pointed out.
“Section 15 of the Occupational
How often have we come across road maintenance workers, grass cutters and fogging workers working on the road or close to road curbs without adequate warning signs pointing out their presence? Mohd Hatta Zakaria, Sarawak DOSH director
Safety and Health Act 1994 stipulates that minimum requirement be observed by all employers in making sure their workers are protected against safety and health risks, while Regulation 18 of the Factories and Machinery ( Building Operations and Works of Engineering Construction) (Safety) Regulations 1986 requires workers of construction activities in close proximity to roads to be protected against vehicular traffic.”
He was asked to comment on a recent media report on an incident where a 34-year- old man carrying out fogging was hit by a car when the driver could not see properly because of the mist.
Mohd Hatta suggested that the contractor do a survey at the intended site to find out the actual conditions first.
“The information to be collected during site survey should include geographical and traffic conditions, and the number and location of notification boards, safety signage, barriers and cones followed by risk assessment.”
He said workers should adhere to safe work procedures developed by the contractor.
“During execution of the job, information to road users is mandatory to avoid any unwanted accidents so the notification board must be large enough and far enough from the work area.
“Placing barricades or cones along the work area reduces the probability of vehicles getting too close to the workers. Reducing the speed limit is also important.
“The contractor needs to liaise with the relevant authority (JKR or Council) before putting up speed limit signs along the road. A signal man or flag man should also control traffic to reduce inconvenience to road users.”
In addition, Mohd Hatta said personal protective equipment ( PPE) needed to be provided for all workers.
“Other than the standard PPE like safety shoes, safety helmet, goggles, ear plugs (for grass cutters and foggers) and respiratory protection mask ( foggers), the worker shall be provided with a high visibility vest. This vest is bright and equipped with reflective strips that make the wearer visible from a distance,” he said.