Workplace tragedies: High time for improved safety standards

Recent workplace tragedies, such as the Putra Heights gas pipeline explosion and the suffocation of a sewer worker in Lenggong, have cast a spotlight on the pressing need for stronger safety measures at the workplace in Malaysia.

These incidents, which resulted in loss of life and significant injuries underline the critical gaps in planning, enforcement and adherence to safety protocols at workplaces.

UTM Senior Lecturer at Quantity Surveying Department Dr Norhazren Izatie Mohd emphasised that such accidents are avoidable with proper planning and rigorous implementation of safety standards.

"The Putra Heights explosion could have been prevented if there was adherence to Regulation 13(2) of the Occupational Safety and Health (Construction Work) (Design and Management) Regulations 2024, or the CDM Regulation 2024.

"By following guidelines outlined in Table 4 of the regulation during the construction phase, safer work methods could have been ensured," she said to Sinar Daily.

Similarly, the expert said the tragedy in Lenggong, where a sewer worker succumbed to suffocation, points to negligence in adhering to proper standard operating procedures (SOPs).

"High-risk activities, especially those involving confined spaces, require a Permit-to-Work system and thorough compliance with hazard identification, risk assessment, and risk control (HIRARC) procedures," she added.

She stressed the importance of emergency response plans, robust training and the establishment of Safety and Health Committees to cultivate a culture of safety in workplaces.

Despite clear legal protections, many Malaysian workers remain hesitant to report unsafe working conditions due to fear of retaliation or job loss.

"Even with the protections under Section 26 of OSHA and the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010, workers are still reluctant to speak up.

"The updates to OSHA now allow workers to remove themselves from unsafe situations under Section 24(1A) without facing disciplinary action, but changing mindsets requires more than laws—it needs cultural shifts within organisations," she said.

To address this, she recommended that companies strengthen their Safety and Health Committees as mandated by Sections 30 and 31 of OSHA, fostering open communication and ensuring workers feel secure in voicing their concerns.

Norhazren also noted progress in employers’ compliance with providing safety gear but stressed that more needs to be done to address risks, particularly for workers exposed to hazardous chemicals.

"Employers are obligated to provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and conduct chemical exposure monitoring under the USECHH Regulations 2000," she said.

She further highlighted the importance of following a hierarchy of controls to minimise risks.

"Employers should prioritise eliminating hazards, introducing safer alternatives, using engineering controls like improved ventilation and instituting proper work procedures. PPE should be the last line of defense, not the first.

"Regular health check-ups, risk assessments, and access to Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are also crucial in ensuring workers’ health and safety," she said.

Therefore, Norhazren called for a collective commitment to improve workplace safety.

By fostering a culture of vigilance, ensuring strict compliance with safety protocols and empowering workers to voice concerns without fear, Malaysia can transform workplaces into safer, healthier environments.