IPOH, Feb 5 — Seventeen of 32 quarries inspected by the state Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) were rated “D” or lower last year.
The department also said not a single quarry received the “A” rating in all of last year.
Perak DOSH director Mohd Hatta Zakaria said quarry owners and operators must be proactive in preventing accidents and work-related illnesses.
“The duty of ensuring a safe environment lies with the employers and the workers. Both sides must work together to ensure that everyone can reach home safely after their job is done,” Mohd Hatta said at a press conference.
Speaking at an event organised with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) here today, he said better education in work safety was vital to reduce occupational accidents and deaths.
Mohd Hatta also disclosed that Perak had 16 work-related deaths last year, 20 accidents that caused permanent disability, and 676 that causes injuries.
The department also issued 100 compounds, prosecuted 29 cases against companies that failed to adhere to its safety regulations, and collected RM 420,500 in penalties.
He also added that of the quarries rated, eight were given a “B” while seven received “C’s”.
“By 2020, we want 80 per cent of the places we audit to have a minimum C grade,” he stressed.
“Workplace accidents bring suffering to the affected employees and their families. They also result in losses and reduced productivity for the companies.”
