CREATING SAFETY CONSCIOUSNESS: Amir (seated at the centre) with the course participants.
MIRI: Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) is running courses for site safety supervisors (SSS) as a measure to address the shortage of these personnel in the construction industry throughout the country.
According to its president Kwan Foh Kwai, the courses were endorsed and recognised by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH).
“This is a good one for it will assist our contractors to fulfil the legal requirement for safety and health supervisors which is being enforced starting Jan 1 this year,” he told The Borneo Post recently.
Under the Factories and Machinery (Building Operations and Works of Engineering Construction) Safety Regulations 1986, main contractors doing building and engineering projects are required to employ competent SSS to conduct safety supervision within the site.
On the other hand, sub-contractors must employ competent contractors’ safety supervisors at workplaces to keep each project safe, yet cost-effective and efficient.
According to Kwan, to date they had produced 320 graduates, including 21 from Kuching.
“We anticipate there will be a growing number of graduates as we will continue to promote the programme throughout the year,” he said.
On the qualifications needed, he said an applicant must have attended at least LCE/SRP/PMR or equivalent and a minimum of two years of site working experience and certification by an employer besides going through an entrance test or interview.
Alternatively, those without any site working experience but having a diploma in any engineering related field could also be considered, he said.
“We hope this will help in the reduction of accidents, injuries and fatalities at the construction sites in Miri,” he said.
A certificate of attendance will be given to each successful candidate upon completion of the course.
Representing the association, Kwan thanked the Sarawak Building and Civil Engineering Contractors Association (SBCECA), Miri division for the assistance to organise the course for its members.
In addition to that, MBAM would also award Certificate of Competency to those who excelled in the Competency Examination.
The candidates would also be recognised and accepted for registration with DOSH as competent SSS and the successful ones would receive a Yellow Book issued by DOSH.
Meanwhile, 22 people mainly comprising site supervisors from the various local companies here completed the SSS course on Sunday.
The event, organised by MBAM, was held at the KLIA Training and Research Centre Sdn Bhd at Saberkas Commercial Centre.
An expert from KLIA Professional and Management College, engineer Amir Yahya, was the trainer and speaker.
Those interested may visit MBAM’s official website: www.mbam.org.my or contact SBCECA deputy chairman Lai Tze Voon (016-8710746) for more information pertaining to the course.