James Kon
The number of construction site accidents rose to 9.1 per cent from 55 accidents reported in 2021 to 60 cases in 2022 for government and non-government projects, according to the statistics report from the Health, Safety and Environment Division, Administration and Finance Department under the Public Works Department (JKR). Two fatal accidental cases were reported in 2022 and three the previous year.
The growing concern of accidents at construction sites was highlighted by Permanent Secretary (Infrastructure, Housing and Professional) at the Ministry of Development (MoD) Ir Haji Amer Hishamuddin bin Pehin Orang Kaya Amar Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Zakaria in his keynote address at the launching ceremony of Health and Safety Week yesterday. He also disclosed that JKR recorded one accident at construction sites in 2022 and five cases the year before. No fatal accidents were recorded in 2022. One was recorded the previous year.
“We cannot be complacent. We must continue to increase efforts in improving the level of safety on construction sites,” he said.
“Every case that involves injury or death is regrettable,” said Ir Haji Amer Hishamuddin.
“By pushing forward and strengthening Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) system in the workplace is vital as the first step in providing a safe workplace.
“However, according to data from the Health, Safety and Environment Division, Administration and Finance Department under JKR, the preparations made for the Project Safety and Health Plan is at less than five per cent after two years. This is a concern.”
“In an effort to improve the effectiveness of the preparation of this Project Safety and Health Plan, I understand that several initiatives have been made, such as a dialogue session with contractors in November 2022, which provided a renewed understanding for the need to prepare OSH management, which is in line with the Workplace Safety and Health Order 2009 and related regulations,” he added.
The MoD and the Public Works Department support the Safety, Health and Environment National Authority’s (SHENA) vision on ‘Ensuring Brunei is a safe place to live and work’.
“We must increase efforts to ensure construction sites in the country, especially government’s projects under the JKR and the Housing Development Department of the MoD are safe for everyone,” said Ir Haji Amer Hishamuddin.
The theme for World Day for Workplace Safety and Health 2023 is ‘A safe and healthy working environment a fundamental right’.
“The theme focussed on a safe and healthy working environment as the basic right of each worker. Every employer has the responsibility to provide a healthy and safe workplace for their employees. Having a sense of safety and security can be beneficial for employers so employees can focus on their tasks, maintain work quality and contribute to the growth and success of an organisation.
“Ensuring a safe workplace also encourages the well-being of an employee which can improve productivity, innovation and a better overall quality of life for the social and economic development of the community,” said Ir Haji Amer Hishamuddin.
He added, “The objective is part of Brunei Vision 2035 by achieving a high quality of life as part of the national aspiration to achieve an International Standard Workplace Health and Safety and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
“SDG 3.9 aims to reduce the number of injury and diseases in workplace and strive to create safe and healthy working conditions and recognises the basic right of every individual to work in a working environment. These goals emphasise the need to address the risks and hazards workers face every day, ensuring protection and fostering a culture of safety,” he added.
The event was organised by the Administration and Finance Department under JKR with Ir Haji Amer Hishamuddin as the guest of honour.
