I REFER to the StarMetro report “Contractors digging up in KL to submit daily reports to DBKL” on Aug 12, 2024.
It is high time Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) made it compulsory for contractors to submit daily reports on their digging operations and make them more accountable.
I want to highlight the many hazards arising from roadworks, as I have observed that many contractors do not pay enough heed to road safety.
Contractors involved in road upgrading or repair works and installations often put up inadequate and shoddy road signs, signals and markers at the worksite to warn motorists of hazards.
Sometimes the signs put up are so poor that they end up confusing motorists, which is especially dangerous to road users at night.
Most roadwork contractors also have no regard for road and public safety.
Ofttimes when roadworks are being carried out, contractors occupy as much space as possible, giving rise to traffic congestion.
The worksites are disorderly and nearby drains are clogged up with construction debris, leading to flash floods.
It is also not uncommon to see potholes near the worksites and these are only repaired after many public complaints.
I wonder why these roadwork contractors are not practising occupational safety and health (OSH) at the worksites.
Or are they not aware of the importance of OSH management at their worksites?
It is high time relevant authorities acted against errant roadwork contractors.
Do we have to wait for more accidents to happen before something drastic is done to ensure that all roadwork contractors practise good OSH management?
Looking at the present state of affairs, I believe that we have first-class road highway infrastructure but third-class mentality when it comes to the practice of safety and health at these worksites.
Another case in point are the frequent complaints regarding signage at federal, state, city and town roads being obstructed by branches and leaves of trees planted along the way.
This is because of poor maintenance by local and other authorities who make no effort to prune the tree branches and leaves that obstruct road signs.
I would therefore like to suggest to all relevant authorities to undertake proper maintenance of trees and plants along our roads and highways to ensure road signs are free from any form of obstruction.
The time has come for the emergence of a new era which gives emphasis to the development of a strong maintenance and safety culture.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
Safety Advocate
