IN the interest of public safety on the roads, I have to highlight the many hazards arising from roadworks in the Klang Valley.
It appears to me that most roadwork contractors have no regard for road and public safety.
This is evident from the inadequate or shoddy road signs, signals and markers placed at the worksite to warn motorists of hazards and dangers.
Sometimes these signs and signals are not put up properly, causing confusion to motorists and posing danger to other road users, especially at night.
These contractors often also take up much of the road they are working on, resulting in traffic congestion.
Their worksites are cluttered while nearby drains are clogged up with construction debris, leading to flash floods.
Potholes near the worksites are a common sight and are repaired only after many public complaints.
The question I like to ask is, why are these roadwork contractors not practising occupational safety and health (OSH) at worksites?
Or are they even aware of OSH management at their worksites?
Many a time I have seen contractors exposing themselves to great danger while working at road dividers without first placing safety cones at a safe distance.
It is high time for the relevant authority to act against these errant roadwork contractors.
Do we have to wait for more accidents, fatalities and tragedies to occur before something drastic is done to ensure that all roadwork contractors practise good OSH management?
Looking at the present state of affairs of our road upgrading or construction works, I can safely conclude 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 is the frequent complaint that our road signs at federal, state, city and town roads are often obstructed by tree branches and leaves.
The problem arises because of poor maintenance by the local and other authorities who make no efforts to prune the tree branches and leaves that obstruct road signs.
I would therefore like to suggest to all local councils and other relevant authorities to undertake proper maintenance of trees and plants along our roads and highways.
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
Alliance for a Safe Community
