ECRL scaffolding collapsed after being hit by skylift boom, DOSH finds

PETALING JAYA: The temporary steel canopy that fell on a moving car at MRR2 in Batu Caves on Tuesday (Nov 18) is believed to have occurred after a collision with a skylift boom.

In a statement issued on Wednesday (Nov 19), the Selangor Occupational Safety and Health Department (DOSH) said the incident occurred during a paint thickness inspection by subcontractor Wuhan Construction Sdn Bhd.

“Preliminary investigation found that the structure was a temporary canopy to prevent objects from falling onto the road.

“It was not designed to withstand an impact load,” it said, adding that the Public Works Department has ordered that the remaining steel structure at the location be removed immediately to prevent further incidents.

“The high-risk work was carried out without written permission from the main contractor, China Communication Construction Sdn Bhd.

“DOSH has also issued a notice to the main contractor under Section 15(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994, prohibiting it from continuing the paint inspection work on the structure until a safe working system is created and approved,” it added.

The structure was from the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, with construction work in the affected area having been halted since the incident.

The driver of the car was uninjured.

Selangor DOSH also said that Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad has visited the location and highlighted the importance of ensuring the safety of workers and the public, which cannot be compromised.

“He also stressed the need for all contractors and sub-contractors to adhere to the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations (Construction) (Design and Management), especially in ensuring that risk assessments are carried out as early as the design stage and continued continuously throughout the project period.

“This approach is important to identify hazards, take appropriate preventive measures and subsequently avoid accidents on construction sites,” the statement read.

DOSH said the deputy minister also ordered a detailed investigation to continue to determine the real cause of the incident and ensure that appropriate action is taken if any part failed to comply with safety requirements.

“The ministry will continue to enhance monitoring of high-risk construction projects to ensure that safety at construction sites is always at an optimal level,” it added.