KUCHING: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) underscores the critical importance of stringent safety measures for roadside operations involving heavy vehicles, said its chairman Chong Chieng Jen.
He said this in relation to a recent accident involving a local council contractor’s water truck in Miri that claimed the lives of a 39-year-old man and a 12-year-old boy.
“Ensuring the safety of both the workers and the general public during such operations is paramount and therefore, NIOSH would like to advise employers and workers to practise the Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control (HIRARC) method,” he said in a statement.
He added, by employing the HIRARC method, particularly employers could effectively reduce risks and bolster workplace safety preemptively.
“This aligns with the stipulations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSHA 1994), which delineates the obligations of employers, contractors, subcontractors, and employees in maintaining workplace safety and health standards.
“Following the recent accident, NIOSH Malaysia emphasises safety recommendations for operations involving vehicles on public roads such as enhanced visibility, comprehensive traffic management, regular safety audits, training and education and public awareness.
“NIOSH Malaysia is committed to working with the local authorities, contractors and the community to review and enhance safety protocols to prevent such unfortunate events in the future,” he added.
He emphasised that ensuring safety, both in workplaces and communities, is a collective responsibility requiring collaboration. Proper implementation of workplace safety measures and adequate training in Occupational Safety and Health protocols can prevent numerous workplace accidents.
NIOSH Malaysia expresses its readiness and willingness to offer advisory and consultation services to local councils regarding Occupational Safety and Health matters. This assistance aims to support the councils in implementing their work at public places, ensuring the safety of council workers, contractors, and members of the public.
“The institute extends its deepest condolences to the family of the victims in the tragic accident involving a local council contractor’s water truck in Miri on April 16,” said Chong.
