Contractors can be blacklisted if not adhering to SOPs to ensure workers’ and public’s safety

Kuala Lumpur, 23 March 2021 – Following the collapse of a crane component at Sungai Besi Ulu Kelang Elevated Highway (SUKE)’s construction site in Persiaran Alam Damai yesterday, Minister of Works, YB Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof ordered all works to be stopped on-site except for rescue and safety works.

Any structures that are risky and may fall were examined and stabilised. The contractor and project manager were also tasked to see if they could provide alternative routes for the local citizens so that they do not have to go through the site.

Minister Yusof also urged the contractor’s safety department to provide recommendations and measures in order to continue this project. Otherwise, they will not be allowed to carry on. If negligence is found and there is evidence of non-compliance with the standard operating procedures (SOPs), the contractor will be blacklisted.

Minister Yusof said, “The media stated that there was maintenance work on the crane’s launcher and that some components fell off and hit the passers-by. I went to the location to see what actually happened. Our priority now is to do rescue works and to stabilise any structures relating to maintenance work.”

The minister regretted that fatal accidents at construction sites have been happening although contractors and developers have been warned multiple times to follow strict SOPs and prioritise safety. This time, the accident had resulted in three deaths.

Read: SUKE incidents: Traffic management at the construction site is being investigated

“Safety concerns on-site does not only concern workers but also the public. The Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) will investigate the incident and if the contractor is found to have breached the SOPs, strict action should be taken. They can be blacklisted, and not given any projects for two years,” he concluded.

– Construction+ Online

Source: Ministry of Works; Public Works Department