Regulations not heeded

Star: PUTRAJAYA: Some three months ago, a two-tonne iron mould fell from the worksite at Plaza Damas and killed corporate figure Dr Liew Boon-Horng. Despite several warnings, the contractor still has yet to comply with all safety regulations.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr Fong Chan Onn said officers from the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) inspected the construction site in Jalan Sri Hartamas recently and found conditions still “not satisfactory”.
“The department will give the contractor another two weeks to carry out whatever is necessary to comply with guidelines under the OSH Act,” he told reporters here yesterday.
The department is also recommending to the Attorney-General that legal action be taken over the incident involving Dr Liew.
Dr Fong said: “Based on investigations, DOSH felt there was evidence of non-compliance by the contractor.
“We will hand over the investigation papers in a week or two and seek the A-G’s opinion on who – whether the contractor or main developer – is to bear the burden of these charges,” he said.
If found guilty, the party concerned could be fined RM20,000 under the Act or jailed a year, or both.
Dr Fong said the ministry was also expecting a report from the Construction Industry Development Board.
On safety at construction sites in general, Dr Fong said: “We have set up mobile teams of enforcement officers in the Klang Valley, Ipoh, Penang and Johor Baru, where there are a number of high-rise projects, to carry out checks all year round. Previously, DOSH would only check on worksites three times a year.”
Dr Liew's brother Liew Boon Yen, when contacted, said that the report on the outcome of investigations could help prevent mishaps at construction sites in future.
“The authorities have done a good job in carrying out thorough investigations to find out the actual cause of the incident and who was responsible," he said.