Appoint safety supervisors at quarry sites to ensure comprehensive risk management, assessment - Lee Lam Thye

SHAH ALAM - In the hazardous environment of quarry sites, the need for specialised safety measures is crucial.

Recognising the risks associated with quarry operations, Alliance of Safety Community (Ikatan) chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye recommended the appointment of safety supervisors who can ensure comprehensive risk assessments were carried out at the sites.

Their primary responsibility, he said was to guarantee the thorough execution of risk assessments, aiming to mitigate potential dangers and enhance overall safety during the quarry operations.

“These supervisors, he said would play a crucial role in implementing the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that prioritise safety aspects during quarry operations.

"It is crucial for companies involved in quarrying to have safety personnel to advise workers on necessary precautions and ensure that all safety protocols are followed," he told Sinar Daily.

This, he said was especially because of the unique risks associated with quarry work which involved the use of explosive materials, such as dynamite to blast rocks.

He also acknowledged that this element added an extra layer of danger to the work environment, emphasising the need for rigorous risk assessment and management.

"Like any other workplace, the quarry is also a work site. Being a worksite, the aspect of health and safety should be given priority because if an accident occurs at the quarry it would lead to deep injury or can lead to death.

"Safety measures in all the workplace are the same, perhaps the risk is greater at a quarry site as workers could be crushed by the rocks or can be injured or fall from height while carrying out their work," he said.

"The prevention of accidents begins with the basic principle of carrying out a risk assessment, known as hazard identification, risk management and risk control (HIRARC)," he said.

Whether in a quarry, factory, or construction site, Lee reiterated that the basic principles of safety, including risk assessment were important to effectively manage and control potential hazards.

"Whether you work in a quarry, factory or construction site, the basic principle of safety is very important.

"So you need the risk assessment, only then you can know how to manage and control it," he added.

Earlier this month, it was reported that one man died while another was injured after being buried in a landslide incident at a quarry near Bandar Saujana Putra in Kuala Langat.

There were also a number of deaths and injuries involving quarry workers over the past few years, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and rigorous risk management practices within the industry.