PENANG Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) director, Hairozie Asri said his department is currently conducting a follow-up investigation at the accident site in Batu Maung, Bayan Lepas on Tuesday night which was also attended by a team from the Forensic Engineering Division of DOSH Malaysia.

The construction company in the logistics warehouse construction project was ordered to appoint an independent investigator to identify the cause of the incident and assess the quality of the construction structure at the site.

Hairozie said an immediate stop work notice on all works had been issued and an investigation to identify the cause of the incident was also held.

“The investigation is aimed at section 15 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 which is related to the employer’s responsibility towards the safety and health of its employees.

“Following the death of three Bangladeshi workers, the employer will also face legal action if it is found that there is a violation under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994,” he said in a statement today.

Hairozie said Penang DOSH will only cancel the notice when all the evidence has been obtained and it is satisfied with the repair and control measures to prevent such accidents from happening again.

He said it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure safety and health at the workplace including at construction sites.

“Employers – who have full control over any activity at the workplace – need to do a risk analysis and have risk control before any work is carried out.

“This is to eliminate or reduce risks for workers and and to prevent accidents during work activities,” he said.

According to him, Penang DOSH takes seriously every occupational accident in all sectors including the construction sector and the department is always committed to improving the level of occupational safety and health in this country

In the incident at about 9.58pm, three Bangladeshi construction workers were confirmed dead after the logistics warehouse collapsed while two other victims were reported to be in serious condition and were taken to Penang Hospital for treatment.

Before the incident, 18 foreign workers were working but nine of them went out to pray. However, the four workers who were said to be buried were actually alive after they fled in fear. – Bernama, November 30, 2023.