Latest news with #OSHA1994
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
Gas pipeline system in country remains safe, Dewan Rakyat told
KUALA LUMPUR: The gas pipeline system throughout Malaysia remains safe based on inspections conducted by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (Dosh), following the fire incident at Putra Heights on April 1. Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad said Dosh remains committed to ensuring the highest level of safety, not only for workers but also for the public. "In addressing issues related to the standard operating procedures for the maintenance of Petronas' gas pipelines, I must emphasise that the investigation found Petronas' pipeline safety measures to be in accordance with internationally recognised standards. "Based on the steps taken and inspections conducted by Dosh, the gas pipeline system across Malaysia remains safe. "Therefore, Dosh has directed the gas pipeline operator to immediately implement control and improvement measures to ensure continued safe and high-integrity pipeline operations," he said in the Dewan Rakyat. He was responding to Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi (PN–Kuala Langat), who asked about the cause of the recent Petronas gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights and the government's assurance that the pipeline area and system remain safe. Rahman said seven measures have either been implemented or are currently underway. These include conducting technical assessments of gas pipelines using advanced technologies such as the Geo-Pipeline Inspection Gauge and Electromagnetic Locator, particularly in densely populated areas as prescribed by international standard ASME B31.8 and increasing the frequency of pipeline patrols in high-risk and densely populated zones. Other measures include updating geotechnical risk (geohazard) assessments and drainage systems in pipeline areas to identify potential early hazards; installing real-time monitoring systems to detect any abnormal changes in pipeline operations; and increasing the number of detection devices at critical locations to enable continuous safety monitoring. Additional actions involve enhancing training and emergency preparedness, including reviewing existing emergency response plans, and conducting public safety awareness campaigns to encourage community vigilance and the reporting of suspicious activity along pipeline routes. "Under the principle of self-regulation as outlined in the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSHA 1994), it is the responsibility of all parties to ensure that occupational safety and health are upheld at the highest level. "Should the investigation reveal any violations of laws enforced by DOSH, firm action will be taken without compromise," he added. Regarding the technical investigation, Rahman said the process involved visual inspections at the incident site, measurements and examination of pipeline components, sample collection for laboratory testing, control system reviews, and computer-based analysis. "The investigation found that the gas pipeline involved met the required technical specifications. Analysis showed the pipeline broke due to mechanical fatigue at the welded joint. "When the pipeline lacked ground support, it experienced repeated movement or cyclic loading, which led to fatigue concentrated at the welded joint. "The pipeline underwent significant underground movement due to physical changes in the surrounding area. This was further exacerbated by long-term water accumulation, which caused erosion of the soil supporting the pipeline," he said. He added that anthropogenic activities around the site, which altered the original topography, also contributed to soil instability. These findings were consistent with the report by the Minerals and Geoscience Department.
New Straits Times
10-06-2025
- New Straits Times
NIOSH urges probe into Bangsar site after Briton's tragic death
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has urged authorities to investigate the developer and all parties involved in the Bangsar construction site where a 25-year-old British solo traveller was found dead last week. Its chairman, Chong Chieng Jen, said the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) must immediately determine whether there were breaches of standard operating procedures (SOPs) or violations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 1994 (Amendment) 2022. He said NIOSH viewed the incident seriously and called for an immediate and comprehensive probe into how a high-risk worksite in an urban area like Bangsar could be accessed by members of the public. "Construction sites are high-risk zones and should, under no circumstances, be accessible to the general public," he said, adding that the death raised serious questions about the adequacy of on-site safety controls. Chong said the incident underscored the need for developers, contractors, and all stakeholders to re-evaluate their approach to workplace safety and public risk management. He noted that Section 15 of the amended OSHA 1994 mandates employers to ensure the safety, health, and welfare of their workers, while Section 17 imposes a similar duty to protect others, including non-workers, who may be affected by worksite activities. "Section 17 explicitly states that employers and self-employed persons must, as far as is reasonably practicable, ensure that people who are not their employees are not exposed to health or safety risks due to their activities. "They are also required to inform individuals present at their worksites of any risks that could affect their safety or health," he said in a response to the New Straits Times. Chong added that failure to comply with these provisions could result in a maximum fine of RM500,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both. According to police, the 25-year-old victim is believed to have entered the construction area before falling to his death into a partially completed lift shaft, where his decomposing body was later found submerged in water. The man, who had arrived in Malaysia from Vietnam on May 17, was reported missing on May 27 by his mother in the United Kingdom. According to police, the 25-year-old victim is believed to have entered the construction area before falling to his death in a halfway constructed lift shaft, with his decomposing body partially submerged in water. The man The man who arrived here from Vietnam on May 17 was reported missing since May 27 by his mother in the United Kingdom. The case has sparked widespread concern over site security and public safety enforcement. Chong said project stakeholders, including developers, principal contractors, subcontractors, site owners, and security providers, must fully understand their legal responsibilities and the severe consequences of negligence. He stressed that those responsible must ensure all construction sites are secured with effective perimeter fencing, proper surveillance, controlled entry and exit points, as well as clear and comprehensible warning signage. "The amended OSHA 2022 reinforces the principle of shared responsibility among all parties involved in a construction project. "Risk management at construction sites must not only focus on worker safety but also on ensuring the protection of the general public, especially in densely populated or tourist-heavy urban areas," Chong said. He added that NIOSH stands ready to assist the relevant authorities in strengthening the safety culture across the construction industry through awareness programmes, training, and guidance to ensure full compliance with OSHA 2022 requirements. On Saturday, Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye questioned whether proper safety measures had been in place at the project.
The Sun
14-05-2025
- The Sun
Cuepacs wants safety review for civil servant transport
KOTA BHARU: The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) has urged the government to reassess safety protocols and operating procedures for transporting public sector personnel, following a deadly crash in Perak. Its president Datuk Dr Adnan Mat said the review should include vehicle safety features such as seat belts, passenger limits and more appropriate transport, particularly for non-operational trips like training or workshops. 'For deployments to high-risk areas, sturdier vehicles with additional protection should be considered,' he told reporters after officiating the Public Health Act 2025 enforcement seminar here today. Adnan noted that the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSHA 1994) requires employers to ensure a safe working environment. He also cited the Employment Act 1955, which mandates worker protections, including insurance and compensation in cases of injury or death while on duty. Adnan called for the upcoming pension reform to maintain, if not improve, existing protections, particularly benefits for families of personnel who die in service. His comments came after a crash in Teluk Intan yesterday killed nine members of the police's Federal Reserve Unit (FRU). The officers, from Unit 5 in Sungai Senam, Ipoh, were returning from duty at the Chitrapournami celebration when their truck collided with a gravel stone-laden lorry at 8.50 am. Adnan expressed condolences to the victims' families and acknowledged that precautionary steps were likely taken, but said more must be done to prevent similar tragedies. 'This incident underscores the need for comprehensive welfare, not only in pensions but also in ensuring proper compensation for the next of kin,' he said.
The Sun
14-05-2025
- The Sun
Cuepacs urges review of safety protocols for transporting civil servants
KOTA BHARU: The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) has urged the government to reassess safety protocols and operating procedures for transporting public sector personnel, following a deadly crash in Perak. Its president Datuk Dr Adnan Mat said the review should include vehicle safety features such as seat belts, passenger limits and more appropriate transport, particularly for non-operational trips like training or workshops. 'For deployments to high-risk areas, sturdier vehicles with additional protection should be considered,' he told reporters after officiating the Public Health Act 2025 enforcement seminar here today. Adnan noted that the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSHA 1994) requires employers to ensure a safe working environment. He also cited the Employment Act 1955, which mandates worker protections, including insurance and compensation in cases of injury or death while on duty. Adnan called for the upcoming pension reform to maintain, if not improve, existing protections, particularly benefits for families of personnel who die in service. His comments came after a crash in Teluk Intan yesterday killed nine members of the police's Federal Reserve Unit (FRU). The officers, from Unit 5 in Sungai Senam, Ipoh, were returning from duty at the Chitrapournami celebration when their truck collided with a gravel stone-laden lorry at 8.50 am. Adnan expressed condolences to the victims' families and acknowledged that precautionary steps were likely taken, but said more must be done to prevent similar tragedies. 'This incident underscores the need for comprehensive welfare, not only in pensions but also in ensuring proper compensation for the next of kin,' he said.
The Star
14-05-2025
- The Star
FRU crash: Cuepacs urges review of safety protocols for transporting civil servants
KOTA BHARU: The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) has urged the government to reassess safety protocols and operating procedures for transporting public sector personnel, following a deadly crash in Perak. Its president Datuk Dr Adnan Mat said the review should include vehicle safety features such as seat belts, passenger limits and more appropriate transport, particularly for non-operational trips like training or workshops. "For deployments to high-risk areas, sturdier vehicles with additional protection should be considered,' he told reporters after officiating the Public Health Act 2025 enforcement seminar here on Wednesday (May 14). Adnan noted that the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSHA 1994) requires employers to ensure a safe working environment. He also cited the Employment Act 1955, which mandates worker protections, including insurance and compensation in cases of injury or death while on duty. Adnan called for the upcoming pension reform to maintain, if not improve, existing protections, particularly benefits for families of personnel who die in service. His comments came after a crash in Teluk Intan on Tuesday (May 13) killed nine members of the police's Federal Reserve Unit (FRU). The officers, from Unit 5 in Sungai Senam, Ipoh, were returning from duty at the Chitrapournami celebration when their truck collided with a gravel stone-laden lorry at 8.50am. Adnan expressed condolences to the victims' families and acknowledged that precautionary steps were likely taken, but said more must be done to prevent similar tragedies. "This incident underscores the need for comprehensive welfare, not only in pensions but also in ensuring proper compensation for the next of kin,' he said.- Bernama
