PETALING JAYA, Sept 20 — The Department of Safety and Health (DOSH) is continuing investigations into the incident at an MRT Project work site in Kota Damansara on August 18 that killed three Bangladeshi workers.

Its director general, Mohtar Musri, said its investigations were similar to those by Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) and MMC Gamuda KVMRT (PDP) Sdn Bhd.

“We are investigating the case from our perspective although MRT Corp has conducted their own probe,” he said.

“We have to gather evidence and verify the circumstances leading to the accident. If there was negligence, we will initiate legal action.”

He said investigations would be completed by next week.

Mohtar said MRT Corp, its project development partner and contractors had set up guidelines but lacked execution onsite.

“There is no point having procedures on paper but zero supervision at the site.”

He said construction companies were not strict when it came to health and safety rules.

“They should execute and practise everything that was agreed on in writing.”

Mohtar said according to Sections 15 and 17 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSHA), those guilty of negligence can be fined up to RM50,000, imprisoned for a term not exceeding two years, or both.

MRT Corp, had in a statement yesterday, revealed the viaduct deck span, weighing 350 tonnes, had toppled due to the absence of shims to support the structure as it was resting on temporary jacks.

Graphics illustrating the imbalanced parapet during installation of the 14th panel

Other factors that contributed to the viaduct toppling over during the 8.30pm incident were insufficient supervision, failure to identify risks and implement mitigation measures, failure to provide comprehensive inspections and test plans, failure to communicate risks between various parties involved and poor sub-contractor management.

The report identified the personnel and organisations responsible for carrying out the measures mentioned. The organisations are MMC Gamuda KVMRT (PDP) Sdn Bhd, the main contractor for package V1 Syarikat Muhibah Perniagaan dan Pembinaan Sdn Bhd and their contractors.

MRT Corp chief executive officer Datuk Wira Azhar Abdul Hamid said action could only be taken by the government following investigations by DOSH.

He said they would also be taking action against those responsible by removing them from the project, blacklisting contractors and consultants from future projects, reviewing work process flows and reviewing the effectiveness of the safety, health and environment enforcement unit.

“I said immediately after the incident that I will personally ensure that no stone will be left unturned during the investigations,” he said.

“I want to get to the root of the problem so that the three lives lost will not be in vain,” he said.