A worker died after falling from the eighth floor of a building at a construction site in Penang on Tuesday, along with a section of scaffolding he was reportedly dismantling.
The incident occurred at about 6.15pm while the worker was believed to be carrying out scaffolding dismantling work on the floor.
Penang Occupational Safety and Health Department (DOSH) director Hairozie Asri said the accident occurred after a temporary structure known as a catch platform, which supported the scaffolding, collapsed.
“As a result, the victim and the scaffolding structure fell to the level below.
“The victim suffered severe head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene,” he said in a statement on Friday.
Following the accident, DOSH conducted an initial investigation before ordering all related work at the site to be stopped.
Hairozie said a prohibition against disturbing the accident scene was also issued to ensure the area remained intact and was not altered or disturbed until further investigations were completed.
“The investigation is being conducted under Sections 17, 18A and 18B of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (Act 514), as well as relevant occupational safety and health regulations.
“DOSH takes fatal workplace accidents seriously, particularly those involving work at height and the use of scaffolding,” he said.
He also reminded employers to ensure that high-risk work is properly planned and carried out safely through effective risk assessments and control measures.
“This includes providing safe access and exit routes, as well as protective systems to prevent workers from falling while carrying out work at height,” he added.
