Increase fine for flouting safety regulations, suggests Niosh

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Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye

SIBU: The proposed amendments to the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 1994 should include raising the maximum fine for flouting safety regulations, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh) chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye suggested.

Stating that the maximum fine is RM50,000 currently, he said: “There is a need for this amount to be increased so that it can be a deterrent.”

Lee was commenting on the proposed amendment to OSHA 1994 which is expected to be tabled in parliament sometime in March.

Human Resources Minister M.Kulasegaran has said the ministry is in the process of amending or upgrading nine legislations including OSHA 1994.

Lauding the move, Lee said there is a need to review certain provisions in order to make the law even more effective.

He said all those responsible for projects such as project owner, designer, developer, employer as well as the main contractor must be held responsible and accountable for worksite safety.

He noted that the laws now are more focused on workers.

“I think the time has come perhaps to even make project owners, developers and so on to be accountable and responsible for worksite safety. This is something they should consider.”

Lee also wanted psycho-social factor to be given more emphasis.