Meru raya: The Perak Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) received a total of 536 reports of workplace accidents during the first six months of this year. Its deputy director, Basharuddin Abd Rahman, stated that these reports included 10 fatal cases, four cases of permanent disability, 510 cases of non-permanent disability, and 12 dangerous incidents reported during the period. Initial investigations indicated that employers’ failure to conduct risk assessments and implement effective control measures were the main contributing factors to these workplace accidents.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, statistics on occupational diseases and poisoning revealed that 376 cases were reported to the Perak DOSH during the same period. Among the highest cases reported was hearing loss due to exposure to excessive and prolonged noise. Basharuddin shared these insights during the Accident Prevention Seminar with the Perak Foundry and Engineering Industries Association (PFEIA) at a state-level event in Meru Raya.
Basharuddin further mentioned that 32 cases had been prosecuted in court, resulting in a total fine of RM449,300 for the first six months of this year. He emphasized that DOSH is open to holding engagement sessions and dialogues with the state government, employers, workers, industry associations, and non-governmental organizations to enhance occupational safety and health management and reduce workplace accidents.
Meanwhile, Perak DOSH Investigation and Prosecution Section head Ir Suhaidy Latip highlighted unsafe behaviors in the foundry industry that lead to accidents. These include not wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), incorrect equipment usage, procedural violations, fooling around at work, and operating machinery without authorization. Suhaidy identified the main causes of safety management system failures as the lack of comprehensive risk assessments, non-adherence to safe work procedures, insufficient training, and low safety awareness.
He elaborated on procedures for conducting jobs safely based on risk assessments, such as employing correct steps to control hazards and avoiding risky actions that could harm workers. Clear guidance is provided by giving instructions for each task, ensuring that all workers are informed of the correct way to work, with step-by-step instructions for every assigned task.