Since 2013, a total of 44 workplace fatalities have been recorded in the construction sector, representing 61 per cent of the total workplace fatalities recorded in the Sultanate. In terms of work-related injuries, the construction industry constitutes 40 per cent of the total number over the same period.
Director of the Strategic Planning Division at the Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA) Haji Junit bin Haji Zakaria said this at a socialisation event on the enforcement of workplace safety and health legislation at the Authority for Building Control and Construction Industry (ABCi) building yesterday. SHENA and ABCi will conduct a series of events throughout September.
Meanwhile, SHENA Acting Assistant Director of Compliance and International Affairs Division Zaharuddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman said among the causes include fall from a height, electrocution, crushed by vehicle, struck and crushed by objects, machines, inhalation of smoke, landslides and others.
For workplace injuries, 40 per cent were recorded in the construction industry, 16 per cent in wholesale, retail trade and repair of motor vehicle, and eight per cent in accommodation and food activities.
SHENA said the initial session targeted architects, professional engineers, and government representatives involved in building operations and maintenance within their ministries and departments. The subsequent three sessions targeted Class 4 – 6 contractors.
The socialisation events introduced SHENA’s Safety and Health Notification for Building Operations/Works of Engineering Construction (BOWEC) which will be embedded into the OneBiz portal under ABCi’s Form ‘C’ applications as well as requirements for the appointment of Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Officers and/ or Coordinators as per the Workplace Safety and Health Order, 2009.
The appointment of WSH officers, according to the Workplace Safety and Health (Workplace Safety and Health Officers) Regulations, 2014, are designated for BOWEC workplaces amounting to a contract sum of over BND10 million.
Meanwhile, the appointment of a WSH co-ordinator is for BOWEC workplaces with a contract sum of less than BND10 million as per the Workplace Safety and Health (Construction) Regulations, 2014.
Any occupier failing to comply with the legislation is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding BND10,000 and in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding BND1,000 for every day which the offence continues. A grace period of six months will be granted to Class 4 – 6 contractors following the date of the socialisation whereas two years will be given to Class 1 – 3 contractors to comply with the requirement.
The Manpower Planning and Employment Council (MPEC) Secretariat also briefed on the HSE Competency Apprenticeship Programme.
The programme aimed at supporting companies in developing the competency skills of their staff through subsidised professional training in IOSH Managing Safely and NEBOSH International General Certificate of Occupational Health and Safety Training provided by registered training providers.
The public wishing to learn more or register for the events for Class 4 – 6 contractors on September 13 and 20 can look for the General Enquiries button at www.shena.gov.bn. – Azlan Othman
