Volume 8 – Mechanical and Electrical Services - Malaysia Geoportal

Chapter 4 OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
On construction site there are often tasks where harmful dust, mist or gas may be present.
Whenever there is doubt about the presence of toxic gases in the atmosphere, a respirator must be
worn. The correct type of respirator will depend upon the hazard and the work conditions. Advice on
suitable types of respirator and filter should be sought from appropriate safety and health
authorities.
The simplest masks are disposable paper types. Remember that these are only effective against
nuisance dusts.
The majority of fatal accidents in construction are due to falls from heights. Where work cannot be
done from a scaffold or ladder, or from a mobile access platform, the wearing of safety harness may
be the only way to prevent serious injury or death. A full safety harness should always be used in
preference to a safety belt.
A safety harness and its lanyard must:
- Not permit a fall over 2m.
- Be capable of supporting a workman’s weight.
- Be attached to a strong structure through a firm anchorage point above the point of operation
d. Welfare facilities
Work in the work site is hazardous, it involves much manual or physical activity. It is also hazardous
and dirty. Good welfare facilities not only improve workers’ welfare but also enhance efficiency.
Welfare facilities such as the provision of drinking-water, washing, sanitary and changing
accommodation, rest-rooms and shelter, facilities for preparing and eating meals, temporary
housing, all help to reduce fatigue and improve workers’ health.
4.3 OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ACT
a) Safety and health policy
It shall be the duty of every employer to prepare and as often as may be appropriate to revise a
written statement of the general policy with respect to the safety and health at work of his
employees and the organization and arrangements for carrying out that policy, and to bring the
statement and any revision of it to the notice of all of the employees.
b) General duties of employees at work
It shall be the duties of employees at work:
i) to take reasonable care for the safety and health of himself and of other person who may be
affected by his acts or omission at work;
ii) to co-operate with his employer or any other person in the discharge of any duty or requirement
imposed on the employer or that other person by this Act or any regulation made thereunder;
iii) to wear or use at all times any protective equipment or clothing provided by the employer for the
purpose of preventing risks to his safety and health;
iv) to comply with any instruction or measure on occupational safety and health instituted by his
employer or any other person by or under this Act or any regulation made thereunder.
4-4 March 2009