Teluk intan: The Malaysian Society for Occupational Safety and Health (MSOSH) has called on authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and take firm action against the employer involved in an incident that claimed the life of a student in Teluk Intan, Perak, after he was struck by a long-handled sickle carried by another motorcyclist.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, MSOSH president Datuk Wira Ahmad Fakhrul Anuar Ismail stated that the tragedy highlighted a clear failure to implement safe work practices, particularly when work equipment became a threat to public safety. He emphasized that negligence of this nature is unacceptable and urged the authorities, especially the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), to take strict action against the employer and employees involved.
Ahmad Fakhrul further remarked that the tragedy could have been prevented with proper safety controls in place during work operations. He noted that the victim's family has the right to consider legal action to seek justice if negligence is proven to have led to the loss of life.
The incident underscores the insufficiency of safety awareness, despite previous campaigns aimed at addressing these concerns. Ahmad Fakhrul advocated for enhanced efforts to strengthen safety awareness, particularly in sectors that frequently use sharp tools, such as agriculture, landscaping, and fieldwork. This is to ensure that equipment is handled and transported safely.
To prevent similar incidents, he advised the public to take appropriate precautions when carrying sharp tools, including using protective covers and avoiding transporting such equipment in an exposed manner. He also suggested adopting safer transportation methods for handling hazardous equipment to minimize accident risks.
MSOSH extended its condolences to the victim's family, expressing hope that this incident serves as a serious reminder for all parties to prioritize safety in every activity.
The incident involved Adham Faisal, a 17-year-old student of Teluk Intan Agricultural Vocational College. He died at the scene after sustaining severe neck injuries when his motorcycle came into close proximity with another motorcycle carrying a sharp tool.