PUTRAJAYA, June 24 - The Occupational Safety and Health Department (DOSH) is investigating a fatal workplace accident involving an industrial trainee during water tank cleaning works at Menara Saujana Perdana 1 in Sungai Buloh, Selangor, last Tuesday (June 16).
Its director-general Hazlina Yon said investigators from the Selangor DOSH office had inspected the site and issued a notice prohibiting any disturbance to the accident site.
"Further investigations are underway, including recording statements from relevant witnesses. If violations of occupational safety and health laws are found, appropriate enforcement action will be taken," she said in a statement today.
The investigation is being carried out under Sections 15, 17, and 18 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994, which set out the responsibilities of employers, the self-employed, and other relevant parties to ensure the safety, health, and welfare of workers and others who may be affected by work activities.
Hazlina reminded employers and workers to comply with occupational safety and health requirements, particularly when working in confined spaces.
"All work activities must be carried out in accordance with established safe work procedures, including obtaining the relevant work permits and ensuring appropriate control measures are implemented before workers are allowed to enter confined spaces," she said.
Employers are responsible for identifying and assessing risks associated with every work activity before it is carried out, especially high-risk work.
They must also ensure that industrial trainees or new workers involved in such activities receive adequate occupational safety and health training and briefings, and are supervised by competent supervisors.
"This is important to ensure that every individual understands the risks involved, complies with established work procedures and performs duties safely to prevent similar incidents from recurring in the future.
"Employers must prioritise the safety and health of all individuals involved in work activities, including vendors and contractors," Hazlina said.