Following the collapse of a logistics warehouse construction project in Batu Maung, Bayan Lepas near George Town on Tuesday night, the construction company responsible for the project has been ordered to appoint an independent investigator to determine the cause of the incident and assess the construction structure’s quality.
Penang Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) director, Hairozie Asri, stated that his department is conducting a follow-up investigation at the accident site with involvement from the Forensic Engineering Division of DOSH Malaysia.
An immediate stop work notice has been issued for all works at the warehouse construction site, and an investigation to identify the cause of the incident has also been initiated.
“The investigation is being conducted in accordance with Section 15 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994, which is related to the employer’s responsibility for the safety and health of their employees during work activities,” he said in a statement.
“The employer could also face legal action if it is found that there is a violation under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 against the responsible parties,” Hairozie added.
Hairozie mentioned that Penang DOSH will only lift the notice once all evidence at the scene has been obtained and satisfactory repair and control measures have been taken to prevent similar accidents in the future.
He emphasized that under Section 15(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994, employers are responsible for ensuring safety and health at the workplace, including at construction sites.
He stressed the importance for employers to conduct risk analysis and effective risk control before any work activity is carried out, in order to eliminate or reduce safety risks for workers and the public and prevent accidents during work activities.
Penang DOSH takes every occupational accident and disease caused by work activities seriously and is committed to improving occupational safety and health in all sectors, including construction, Hairozie stated.
The incident at 9:58pm led to the death of three Bangladeshi construction workers, with two other victims in serious condition and taken to Penang Hospital for treatment.
Before the incident, 18 foreign workers were on site, but nine of them were outside to pray. However, it was later revealed that the four workers initially assumed to be buried were actually alive after fleeing in fear. – Bernama
