THURSDAY-20TH DECEMBER 2007-SAFETY HAZARD AT RENOVATION SITE

SAFETY HAZARD AT RENOVATION SITE
•A lack of safety precautions at a renovation site in Kampung Air, Kota Kinabalu has prompted a passerby to voice concern. Mr D, who frequently passes by the area, claimed that the construction works on a building there poses a serious hazard to motorists and pedestrians alike. “Pedestrians passing by the site are at the risk of being hurt by falling building materials,” he told Public Hotline. He urged the relevant authorities to look into the matter and ensure adequate precautions are taken to prevent untoward incident. He said if the contractor continues to use substandard material in the scaffolding and netting, it may not withstand the impact of a falling concrete object. “The object could fall through and hit a pedestrian or passing vehicle. I don’t understand why the authorities are not doing anything about it,” he said. A spokesman for the Department of Occupational Safety and Health, when contacted over the matter, said they will look into the claim immediately. “We will have to investigate before taking further necessary action,” he said.
“Public Hotline also reported the matter to Kota Kinabalu City Hall and its spokesperson said We will take immediate action if the renovation work is a safety hazard,” he said, thanking the complainant for pointing out the prob1em.