Penang DOSH issues stop-work order after Indonesian worker dies in wall collapse during demolition work in Bukit Mertajam
BUKIT MERTAJAM: The Penang Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) has ordered all work activities to be halted immediately at the site where an Indonesian worker was killed after being crushed by a wall in an incident on Jalan Guar Perahu Indah, here yesterday, until an investigation is completed.
It said in a statement tonight that several witnesses and employer representatives have also been directed to be present at the DOSH office to assist with further investigations.
The Penang DOSH is conducting an investigation into a fatal accident involving a male worker who is believed to have been crushed by a wall while carrying out demolition work at a premises undergoing renovation.
“The accident was reported to have occurred around 3 pm yesterday when the victim, along with several other workers, was carrying out demolition work on the wall in the staircase area of the building. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene due to severe injuries sustained,” according to the statement.
The state DOSH said that preliminary investigations found that the renovation work on the premises was being carried out by a contractor company appointed to carry out the demolition and internal renovation work on the premises.
According to the Penang DOSH, during the incident, the workers involved were using demolition equipment to break the wall structure before the wall collapsed and crushed the victim.
The statement said that the DOSH is conducting an investigation into the incident under the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 [Act 514] to identify the cause of the incident and determine whether there has been any violation of the applicable occupational safety and health legal provisions.
“The DOSH wants to remind all employers, contractors, and parties in control of the workplace to always conduct adequate risk assessments before starting any demolition work, ensure safe work methods are implemented, and provide effective supervision to prevent accidents that could result in serious injuries or death,” said the statement.
