Maut Terjerlus Dalam Pasir

Maut Terjerlus Dalam Pasir

JOHOR BAHRU 13 Nov. - Seorang operator jengkaut dikhuatiri maut apabila secara tiba-tiba dia dan kenderaannya terjerlus ke dalam pasir semasa sedang menambak pasir di tapak projek pesisir Pantai Lido Boulevard, di sini malam tadi.

Mangsa, Mohd. Nor Miskan, 36, tertimbus ke dalam pasir itu dalam kejadian pada pukul 9.40 malam. Turut tertimbus adalah dua kontena dan sebuah generator yang digunakan untuk kerja-kerja berkenaan.

Pegawai Tinggi Bomba Bahagian Operasi Balai Bomba Johor Bahru, Aminah Saimin berkata, kerja-kerja penyelamat dilakukan oleh seramai 20 anggota dan pegawai termasuk 10 penyelam unit skuba bomba.

Katanya, operasi mula dijalankan pada pukul 10.36 malam tetapi terpaksa diberhentikan beberapa jam, sebelum disambung semula hari ini.

"Sehingga kini, operasi mencari masih diteruskan di lokasi kejadian dan mangsa belum ditemui," katanya ketika ditemui pemberita di lokasi kejadian di sini hari ini.

Ketua Polis negeri, Datuk Mohd. Mokhtar Mohd. Shariff ketika ditemui berkata, sebuah jawatan kuasa khas ditubuhkan bagi membantu mencari dan menyelamat mangsa selain menyiasat punca kejadian.

Sementara itu, kakak mangsa, Hani Masra, 40, berkata, keluarganya dimaklumkan mengenai kejadian tersebut oleh rakan setugas Mohd. Nor, pada pukul 9.40 malam pada hari kejadian.

"Kami terkejut mendengar berita itu kerana selama ini hanya mendengar kisah orang lain ditimpa kemalangan. Tidak sangka kali ini, ia menimpa ahli keluarga sendiri.

"Sepatutnya Mohd. Nor hendak melawat ibu yang sudah dua hari dirawat di Hospital Sultan Ismail (HSI) kerana menghidap barah leher, namun hajatnya itu tidak kesampaian," katanya lagi.

Turut kelihatan di lokasi kejadian ialah ibu mangsa, Siti Tasuki, 58, dan beberapa ahli keluarga lain.

Menurut Hani, Mohd. Nor yang telah berkahwin dan mempunyai empat anak berusia antara lima dan 13 tahun, berpengalaman 10 tahun mengendalikan jentera berat.

Sementara itu, jurucakap syarikat pemaju, Central Malaysia Properties Sdn. Bhd. (CMP) berkata, pihaknya sedang berusaha mengambil semua langkah yang diperlukan berhubung kejadian itu.

Sambil mengucapkan terima kasih kepada pihak berkuasa, CMP dalam kenyataannya berkata, kumpulan teknikal syarikat itu juga melakukan siasatan untuk mengenal pasti punca kejadian.

Dipetik dari laman Utusan Online

Lapan Cedera, Mesin Kilang Meletup

Lapan Cedera, Mesin Kilang Meletup

Oleh ABDUL MUIN SAPIDIN
muin.sapidin@utusan.com.my

BUKIT MERTAJAM 8 Nov. - Lapan cedera termasuk dua daripadanya parah selepas mesin penyedut habuk sebuah kilang membuat rim motosikal di Kawasan Perindustrian Perai di sini, meletup lalu terbakar hari ini.

Mangsa terdiri daripada masing- masing empat pekerja tempatan dan warga Nepal yang disyaki cedera selepas tercampak akibat letupan kuat itu.

Kejadian pukul 10.10 pagi itu turut mengakibatkan gegaran kuat sehingga mengakibatkan sebahagian daripada struktur bangunan tersebut musnah dan runtuh.

Selain itu, kesan letupan juga merosakkan beberapa premis di sekelilingnya termasuk sebuah lagi kilang yang terletak kira-kira 80 meter dari lokasi kejadian.

Serpihan daripada letupan seperti paip, sisa konkrit dan kepingan logam berhamburan ke luar kilang dan berterbangan sehingga ke seberang jalan.

Mangsa-mangsa yang cedera dirawat di Hospital Seberang Jaya (HSJ) dan Hospital Pakar Bagan, dekat sini dan dilaporkan stabil.

Penolong Pengarah Operasi Bomba negeri, Mohd. Razam Taja Rahim ketika ditemui selepas operasi memadam kebakaran berkata, semasa kejadian terdapat 70 pekerja berada di dalam kilang.

"Bagaimanapun setakat ini, lapan pekerja disahkan cedera akibat melecur atau terkena sisa letupan," katanya sambil menambah pihaknya masih menyiasat punca sebenar kejadian tersebut.

Menurutnya, seramai 33 anggota Bomba dan Penyelamat bersama dua jentera bergegas ke tempat kejadian sejurus menerima panggilan kecemasan pukul 10.20 pagi.

"Operasi turut dibantu oleh kira-kira 30 anggota bomba sukarela. Kebakaran dapat dikawal sejam selepas itu," katanya.

Sementara itu, salah seorang mangsa warga Nepal, Sudath Prem, 22, ketika ditemui di HSJ memberitahu, ketika kejadian, dia berada kira-kira 30 meter daripada mesin penyedut habuk yang tiba-tiba meletup.

"Letupan terjadi sangat kuat dan menyebabkan gegaran. Selang beberapa saat selepas itu, kepulan api marak memenuhi kawasan kilang," katanya.

Menurutnya, dia yang melecur kedua-dua belah tangannya bernasib baik dapat keluar daripada sisa runtuhan kilang tersebut.

Dipetik dari laman Utusan Online

Director Pleads Not Guilty

Director Pleads Not Guilty

PETALING JAYA: The director of construction company CW Yap Sdn Bhd has been charged with failing to ensure the safety of others in connection with the collapse of the Jaya Supermarket last year.

Yap Choon Wai, 54, pleaded not guilty to the offence at a Sessions Court here yesterday.

The supermarket, a famous landmark in Petaling Jaya, collapsed during demolition work and seven people were killed on May 28 last year.

Yap was charged in his capacity as the company director and an employer, for failing to ensure that non-employees, namely four workers and three civilians, were not exposed to safety and health risks.

The four workers were identified as A. Suki Nahru, a 54-year-old Malaysian, and Indonesians Mukhamad Maskur, Fendi and Anwarudin. The three civilians were Rouf, Fauzan and Maddekip.

Yap was accused of failing to comply with the work safety system provided in demolition works for buildings.

The alleged offence was committed on May 28 last year at about 5pm at the site of the proposed project to demolish the building at Jalan Semangat.

Sessions Court Judge Hayatul Akmal Abdul Aziz granted Yap bail of RM5,000 with one surety.

The judge fixed Oct 27 for the case to be mentioned.

She also allowed for Yap’s case to be mentioned together with two previous cases which were related to the charge.

Last Tuesday, two construction companies, including Yap’s, were charged in separate Sessions Courts with failing to ensure the safety of others.

Yap and Jason Hee Kok Hing, of Lian Hup Earth Work and Construction Sdn Bhd, appeared on behalf of their companies and pleaded not guilty to the offences.

Yap was charged under Section 17(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 which is punishable under Section 19 of the same Act.

Those convicted under this section could be fined up to RM50,000 or jailed for a term not exceeding two years or both.

Yap was represented by defence counsel Goh Keng Tat while Deputy Public Prosecutor Aida Farihan Mohd Nawi prosecuted.

By Yuen Meikeng
From The Star Online 28 September 2010

Jaya Supermarket Collapse: Director Yap Choon Wai Charged

Jaya Supermarket Collapse: Director Yap Choon Wai Charged

PETALING JAYA: The director of construction company CW Yap Sdn Bhd has been charged with failing to ensure the safety of others in connection with the collapse of the Jaya Supermarket here last year.

Yap Choon Wai, 54, pleaded not guilty to the offence at a Sessions Court here on Monday.

The supermarket, a famous landmark in Petaling Jaya, collapsed during demolition work and seven people were killed on May 28 last year.

Yap was charged in his capacity as the company director and an employer, for failing to ensure that non-employees, namely four workers and three civilians, were not exposed to safety and health risks.

The four workers were identified as A. Suki Nahru, a 54-year-old Malaysian, and Indonesians Mukhamad Maskur, Fendi and Anwarudin. The three civilians were Rouf, Fauzan and Maddekip.

Yap was accused of failing to comply with the work safety system provided in demolition works for buildings.

The alleged offence was committed on May 28 last year at about 5pm at the site of the proposed project to demolish the building at Jalan Semangat here.

Sessions Court Judge Hayatul Akmal Abdul Aziz granted Yap bail of RM5,000 with one surety.

The judge fixed Oct 27 for the case to be mentioned.

She also allowed Yap’s case to be mentioned together with two previous cases which were related to the charge.

Last Tuesday, two construction companies, including Yap’s, were charged in separate Sessions Courts with failing to ensure the safety of others.

Yap and Jason Hee Kok Hing, of Lian Hup Earth Work and Construction Sdn Bhd, appeared on behalf of their companies and pleaded not guilty to the offences.

Yap was charged under Section 17(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 which is punishable under Section 19 of the same Act.

Those convicted under this Section could be fined up to RM50,000 or jailed for a term not exceeding two years or both.

Yap was represented by defence counsel Goh Keng Tat while Deputy Public Prosecutor Aida Farihan Mohd Nawi prosecuted.

By Yuen Meikeng
From The Star Online 27 September 2010

Firms Charged Over Lack Of Safety In Supermarket Collapse

Firms Charged Over Lack Of Safety In Supermarket Collapse

TWO construction companies were charged in the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court for failing to ensure the safety of others in connection with the collapse of the Jaya Supermarket last year.

The iconic supermarket collapsed during demolition work and killed seven construction workers on May 28 last year.

Directors Yap Choon Wai, of CW Yap Sdn Bhd and Jason Hee Kok Hing, of Lian Hup Earth Work and Construction Sdn Bhd, appeared on behalf of their companies and pleaded not guilty to the offences.

Both were charged at separate Sessions Courts in Petaling Jaya yesterday.

CW Yap Sdn Bhd was charged as an employer for failing to ensure that non-employees, namely four workers and three civilians, who could be affected by the company’s works, were not exposed to safety and health risks.

The company was charged with failing to comply with the work safety system provided in demolition works for buildings.

Lian Hup Earth Work and Construction Sdn Bhd was charged as an employer for failing to ensure the safety, health and welfare of all its employees on duty by failing to comply with the work safety system provided in demolition works for buildings.

Both companies allegedly committed the offences on May 28 last year at about 5pm at the site of the proposed project to demolish the office building and shopping complex at Jalan Semangat here.

The proposed project was also set to rebuild a seven-floor shopping complex building and a four-level basement car park at the site.

Sessions Court Judge Hayatul Akmal Abdul Aziz fixed Sept 27 for CW Yap Sdn Bhd’s case to be mentioned.

Later, in another Sessions Court, judge Rozina Ayob allowed for Lian Hup Earth Work and Construction Sdn Bhd’s case to be mentioned on the same day and at the same court with CW Yap Sdn Bhd’s charge.

CW Yap Sdn Bhd and Lian Hup Earth Work and Construction Sdn Bhd were each charged under Section 17(1) and Section 15(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 which is punishable under Section 19 of the same Act.

Those convicted under this Section could be fined up to RM50,000 or jailed for a term not exceeding two years or both.

Both companies were represented by defence counsel Ooi Huey Min while Department of Occupational Safety and Health prosecuting officers Jaafar Leman and Hazlina Yon appeared for the prosecution.

By Yuen Meikeng
From The Star Online 22 September 2010

Demolition Works In Order, Says MBPJ

Demolition Works In Order, Says MBPJ

THE two construction companies charged in the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court over the collapse of Jaya Supermarket in Section 14, Petaling Jaya, are handling the demolition of the remaining structure.

However, the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) did not see any problem with the companies handling the rest of the job.

MBPJ public relations officer Zainun Zakaria said the companies had obtained the necessary approvals from the council to proceed with the remaining phases of the demolition.

“The council’s various departments have stringently assessed their applications, procedures and methods recommended for the demolition and gave approval,” she said.

She added that the council would respect the court procedure that would find out if the companies had failed to meet safety standards when they demolished the main building last year.

Directors Yap Choon Wai of CW Yap Sdn Bhd and Jason Hee Kok Hing, of Lian Hup Earth Work and Construction Sdn Bhd, appeared on behalf of their companies and pleaded not guilty to the offences.

Meanwhile, residents and business operators nearby felt that it was time to move on.

Section 14A Rukun Tetangga chairman Tee Kee Tian said the mishap had brought about various woes for traders and residents in the area, among them parking problems and a drastic drop in business.

Tee also said it was time to bring down the remaining structure safely.

The structure collapsed on May 28 last year and killed seven workers.

It was claimed that the accident happened before demolition works could start. Residents from 12 houses along Jalan 14/15 were evacuated following the incident and were put up at hotels in the area.

Meanwhile, Selangor MCA chairman Datuk Donald Lim said the matter had dragged on for too long.

He said it was unfair to the residents and business owners, who had been facing inconvenience as well as business loss as a result of the incident.

“The state and local governments should have acted faster and not wait until a year to resolve this matter.”

By Fazleena Aziz
From The Star Online 22 September 2010

Two Construction Companies Charged With Jaya Supermarket Collapse

Two Construction Companies Charged With Jaya Supermarket Collapse

PETALING JAYA: Two construction companies were separately charged in the Sessions Court here Tuesday with failing to meet safety standards over the collapse of the Jaya Supermarket.

Directors Yap Choon Wai, of CW Yap Sdn Bhd, and Jason Hee Kok Hing, of Lian Hup Earth Work and Construction Sdn Bhd, appeared on behalf of their companies and pleaded not guilty to the offences.

The offences were allegedly committed on May 28 last year, around 5pm, at the former Jaya Supermarket site along Jalan Semangat here.

One of Petaling Jaya's oldest landmarks, the building in Section 14, had been vacant since early 2008 as there were plans to redevelop the site.

The structure collapsed before demolition works could start, killing seven workers.

By Yuen Meikeng
From The Star Online 21 September 2010

Tiada Kecederaan Akibat Letupan Besar Di Loji Petronas Labuan

Tiada Kecederaan Akibat Letupan Besar Di Loji Petronas Labuan

LABUAN, 22 Feb (Bernama) -- Satu letupan besar berlaku di cerowong pembuangan gas terkawal (S1001 Flare Tip) Petronas Methanol Labuan (PML) pada Isnin, memaksa operasi di tapak loji minyak bernilai RM511 juta itu dihentikan.

Seramai 82 pekerja kontrak dan 46 petugas Petronas Methanol Labuan sedang bekerja di situ ketika letupan berlaku pada pukul 11.37 pagi tetapi tiada kecederaan dilaporkan.

Duah buah jentera bomba masing-masing dari Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Labuan dan unit bomba penyelamat PML dikerah mengawal kebakaran akibat letupan tersebut, dan berjaya mengawal keadaan 30 minit kemudian.

Bercakap kepada satu sidang akhbar, ketua produksi PML Mohd Kamis Abdul Manap berkata siasatan terperinci akan dibuat bagi mengenal pasti punca letupan.

"Kita akan buat siasatan menyeluruh sebelum kerja-kerja dapat diteruskan di tapak loji ini. Ini adalah kejadian pertama berlaku di cerowong pembuangan gas asli terkawal ini. Kita akan mengenal pasti sama ada wujudnya kepincangan dalam aspek keselamatan," kata Mohd Kamis.

Petronas Methanol Labuan memiliki loji methanol yang dibina pada 1984 dan mampu menghasilkan 60,000 methanol setahun.

Pelanggan terbesar PML adalah loji propilena Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) di Kuantan, Pahang dengan keperluan tahunan sebanyak 110,000 tan.

Pasaran lain termasuklah Jepun, Indonesia, Filipina, Singapura, Thailand, Korea, Taiwan dan China.

Pada tahun 2007, dua pekerja sub-kontrak Petronas cedera parah terbakar dalam satu letupan ketika melaksanakan kerja pengimpalan di plant PML di Rancha-Rancha

Dipetik dari laman Bernama

Malaysian Industrial Accident Data 2009 : Manufacturing

From all Department of Safety and Health investigated cases in 2009, there were 63 fatal cases in manufacturing sector while 90 cases resulted in permanent disability to the victim and 1419 cases resulted in non-permanent disability to the victim in the same sector. Manufacturing sector contributes the most number of cases as compared to other sectors.

Lagi Mangsa Letupan

Jusco blast claims second life

MALACCA: The recent gas explosion at AEON Jusco outlet in Bachang claimed a second life with the death of engineer Ooi Kok On at the Malacca Hospital.

The 33-year-old from Sri Taman, Alor Setar, passed away at the hospital’s intensive care unit at 9.40am yesterday after undergoing two surgeries over the last six days for serious head injuries.

AEON Jusco general-manager (corporate communications) A. Rashid Adam, who was present at the hospital to console the deceased family, said the company would make arrangement for Ooi’s body to be brought back to his home for burial.

“We will bear the cost of sending Ooi’s remains back to his home in Alor Setar for the funeral.

“We will also ensure our staff are there for them if they need anything,” he told reporters yesterday, adding that Aeon had also presented RM10,000 to Ooi’s family.

The deceased father, Ooi Hua, 64, and several family members arrived at the hospital at about 10am to claim his remains but they were too distraught to speak.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, who was also present to extend his condolences, said four blast victims are still warded at the hospital while 15 others have been discharged.

The deadly blast occurred at the food court section on the ground floor of the three-storey complex just before 1pm last Monday as workers and tenants were busy making final preparations for the mall’s opening earlier scheduled for Dec 17.

Tiau See Peing, a supervisor at the Old Town White Coffee outlet, died on the spot when he was hit by flying debris while 20 others suffered injuries.

Following the blast, the complex grand opening was postponed pending a joint probe by the Energy Commission and the Fire and Rescue Department.

Initial investigations had revealed that negligence and a massive gas leak in the complex’s liquid petroleum gas system had caused the blast.

The contractors and engineers responsible for installation of the gas piping system have been suspended.

By ALLISON LAI

Dipetik dari Star Online 20 Disember 2009

Adakah Mereka Mempunyai Jawatankuasa Keselamatan & Kesihatan Pekerjaan?

Jusco gas contractors suspended

MALACCA: The contractors and consultants responsible for gas works at the AEON Jusco outlet in Bachang here have been suspended with immediate effect as initial findings indicate negligence on their part.

Investigations found a massive leak in the centralised gas system as being the cause of the explosion on Monday that killed a 25-year-old supervisor and injured 20 others

State Fire and Rescue Department director Nik Zulkifli Ibrahim said the findings were based on the department’s investigations into the gas blast with the final report of the joint probe expected to be out in two weeks.

“The main cause of the explosion was due to a large gas leak at the Tea & Food outlet as indicated by a small fire following the explosion,” he told reporters after accompanying Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam to the scene yesterday.

He added that negligence by those responsible for the centralised liquid petroleum gas system was also a factor.

Energy Commission Chief Operating Officer Ahmad Fauzi, who was also present, said the joint probe by the commission and the Fire and Rescue Department is expected to be completed within two weeks.

“We are still carrying out investigations and interviewing witnesses. It will take about two weeks before investigations are completed and the area cleared for repair works,” he said.

The deadly blast occurred at the food court section on the ground floor of the three-storey complex just before 1pm on Monday as workers and tenants were busy making final preparations for the mall’s opening scheduled for yesterday.

Tiau See Peing, a supervisor at the Old Town White Coffee outlet, was killed by flying debris while 20 others are being treated at the Malacca Hospital.

Of the number, six are in critical condition, eight are seriously injured while six others received outpatient treatment.

Meanwhile, AEON Jusco general-manager (corporate communications) A. Rashid Adam said it would defer the opening of the shopping mall until completion of the probe.

By MARTIN CARVALHO & ALLISON LAI

Dipetik dari Star Online 18 Disember 2009

Adakah Mereka Mempunyai Polisi Keselamatan Dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan?

Jusco gas explosion: Contractors, consultants suspended (Update)

MALACCA: The contractors and consultants responsible for gas works at the AEON Jusco outlet in Bachang here have been suspended with immediate effect.

The order came as initial findings from an investigation pointed to negligence and a massive leak in the centralised gas system as being the cause of the explosion on Monday that killed a 25-year-old supervisor and injured 20 others.

State Fire and Rescue Department director Nik Zulkifli Ibrahim said the findings were based on the department’s investigations into the gas blast, with the final report of the joint probe expected to be out within two weeks.

“The main cause of the explosion was due to a large gas leak at the Tea & Food outlet as indicated by a small fire following the explosion,” he told reporters after accompanying Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam to the scene on Thursday.

He added that negligence by those responsible for the centralised liquid petroleum gas system was also a factor for the incident.

Energy Commission chief operating officer Ahmad Fauzi, who was also present, said the the joint probe by his commission and the Fire and Rescue Services Department is expected to be completed within two weeks.

“We are still carrying out investigations and interviewing witnesses. It will take about two weeks before investigations are completed and the area cleared for repair work,” he said.

He added the contractors, consultant and competency engineer responsible for work on the shopping mall’s centralised gas system would be suspended from work with immediate effect.

The deadly blast occurred at the food court section on the ground floor of the three-storey complex just before 1pm on Monday as workers and tenants were busy making final preparations for the mall’s grand opening on Dec 17.

The force of the blast caused a 2m-wide hole in the building wall, showering glass and debris over a 25m radius and causing a small fire.

Tiau See Peing, a supervisor from Batu Pahat of the Old Town White Coffee outlet, was killed by flying debris while 20 others are being treated at the Malacca Hospital of which six are critical, eight seriously injured while six others received outpatient treatment.

Meanwhile, AEON Juscos general manager (corporate communications) A. Rashid Adam said they would abide by the authorities’ orders and defer the opening of shopping mall until completion of the probe.

“We will comply with the orders issued by the authorities. This will give them time to carry out a detailed investigation while ensuring the safety of the area,” he said.

Although not specifying an exact date, he said the shopping mall’s opening is likely to take place some time in January next year.

By MARTIN CARVALHO and ALLISON LAI

Dipetik dari Star Online 17 Disember 2009

Belum Boleh Shopping di Jusco Melaka @ Bachang

Opening of mall on hold

MALACCA: The Dec 17 grand opening of the AEON Jusco outlet in Bachang, the largest in the country, has been called off pending the approval from the authorities probing Monday’s deadly blast, said state public works and utilities committee chairman Datuk Gan Tian Loo.

However, it is learnt that with Christmas just round the corner, the shopping mall operator is keen to start business on Dec 21 but would not be able to operate the food court that was damaged in the blast.

Gan advised AEON Jusco to wait for the report before opening the outlet because despite engineers saying that the main structure of the building is safe, the explosion had caused extensive damage to the interior of the food court.

The explosion occurred at the food court section on the ground floor of the three-storey complex just before 1pm on Monday as workers and tenants were busy making final preparations for Thursday’s grand opening.

The force of the blast caused a 2m-wide hole in the building wall, showering glass and debris over a 25m radius and caused a small fire.

Tiau See Peing, 25, a supervisor from Batu Pahat of the Old Town White Coffee outlet, was killed by flying debris while 20 others are being treated at the Malacca Hospital of which six are critical, eight seriously injured while six others received outpatient treatment.

State Women Affairs, Family Development and Health committee chairman Datuk Norpipah Abdol said the state presented aid of between RM2,000 to RM5,000 to the blast victims and RM5,000 to Tiau’s family.

A joint probe by the Fire and Rescue Services Department, Malay-sian Energy Commission, and the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) will focus on the possibility of gas leakage and human error for the blast.

However, investigations can only proceed after the centralised gas piping system in the building is purged of trapped gas to prevent a second blast.

DOSH deputy operations director Mohtar Musri said the section of the food court affected by the explosion was still deemed unsafe as there was a danger that loose ceiling panels could collapse in the event of a second explosion.

A search and rescue operation was mounted early yesterday morning for three people — two locals and a foreigner — whose identification documents were found in the rubble. They were not among those rescued.

State fire and rescue department director Nik Zulkifli Ibrahim said the authorities were tracing the whereabouts of local workers Mahusin Jusoh and Rominor Chik and foreign worker Mominul Islam.

Earlier, Malacca Governor Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob visited the injured blast victims at the Malacca Hospital and the blast scene to see the extent of damage caused by the explosion.

By MARTIN CARVALHO and CHEN PELF YEEN

Dipetik dari Star Online 16 Disember 2009

Sotong Kurita Pun Pandai Pakai PPE

Aussie scientists find coconut-carrying octopus

SYDNEY (AP): Australian scientists have discovered an octopus in Indonesia that collects coconut shells for shelter - unusually sophisticated behavior that the researchers believe is the first evidence of tool use in an invertebrate animal.

The scientists filmed the veined octopus, Amphioctopus marginatus, selecting halved coconut shells from the sea floor, emptying them out, carrying them under their bodies up to 65 feet (20 meters), and assembling two shells together to make a spherical hiding spot.

Julian Finn and Mark Norman of Museum Victoria in Melbourne observed the odd activity in four of the creatures during a series of dive trips to North Sulawesi and Bali in Indonesia between 1998 and 2008.

Their findings were published Tuesday in the journal Current Biology.

"I was gobsmacked," said Finn, a research biologist at the museum who specializes in cephalopods. "I mean, I've seen a lot of octopuses hiding in shells, but I've never seen one that grabs it up and jogs across the sea floor. I was trying hard not to laugh."

Octopuses often use foreign objects as shelter. But the scientists found the veined octopus going a step further by preparing the shells, carrying them long distances and reassembling them as shelter elsewhere.

That's an example of tool use, which has never been recorded in invertebrates before, Finn said.

"What makes it different from a hermit crab is this octopus collects shells for later use, so when it's transporting it, it's not getting any protection from it," Finn said. "It's that collecting it to use it later that is unusual."

The researchers think the creatures probably once used shells in the same way.

But once humans began cutting coconuts in half and discarding the shells into the ocean, the octopuses discovered an even better kind of shelter, Finn said.

The findings are significant, in that they reveal just how capable the creatures are of complex behavior, said Simon Robson, associate professor of tropical biology at James Cook University in Townsville.

"Octopuses have always stood out as appearing to be particularly intelligent invertebrates," Robson said. "They have a fairly well-developed sense of vision and they have a fairly intelligent brain. So I think it shows the behavioral capabilities that these organisms have."

There is always debate in the scientific community about how to define tool use in the animal kingdom, Robson said.

The Australian researchers defined a tool as an object carried or maintained for future use. But other scientists could define it differently, which means it's difficult to say for certain whether this is the first evidence of such behavior in invertebrates, Robson said.

Still, the findings are interesting, he said.

"It's another example where we can think about how similar humans are to the rest of the world," Robson said. "We are just a continuum of the entire planet."

Dipetik dari Star 15 Disember 2009

Mari Menyiasat Kemalangan Maut Di Jusco Melaka

Joint probe on mall explosion

MALACCA: Authorities here will conduct a joint probe to determine the cause of the deadly blast at the AEON Jusco mall in Bachang that killed a 25-year-old man while injuring 20 others on Monday.

The probe, to be carried out by the Fire and Rescue Services Department, the Malaysian Energy Commission and the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) will focus on the possibility of gas leakage and human error as factors resulting in the gas explosion.

However, investigations can only proceed after the centralised gas piping system in the building is purged of trapped gas to prevent a second blast.

DOSH deputy operations director Mohtar Musri said the section of the food court affected by the explosion was still deemed unsafe as there is the risk that loose ceiling panels might collapse in the event of a second explosion.

“Our priority is securing the affected area to ensure that it is safe for those investigating the scene.

“At the moment, there may still be gas trapped along the piping system,” he said when met at scene here on Tuesday.

Although unable to pinpoint the cause of the explosion, he said an initial probe suggested a leakage in the gas piping system and a lack of coordination between those responsible for the installation of gas supply to the food court.

“Gas from the bullet tank is channeled through the pipeline and is supplied to the kitchens.

“It is likely that there was a leak somewhere along the piping system to the cooking area,” he said.

He added the blast caused extensive damage to six restaurants out of the 20 located in the area at the food court where the explosion happened.

Meanwhile, a search and rescue operation was mounted by the Fire and Rescue Department early Tuesday morning when three persons, whose identity cards were found in the rubble, were unaccounted for amongst those rescued on Monday.

The discovery of the identity cards belonging to two locals and a pass belonging to a foreign worker prompted a thorough search of the blast area which turned up negative.

State Fire and Rescue Department director Nik Zulkifli Ibrahim said authorities are trying to trace the whereabouts of local workers Mahusin Jusoh and Rominor Chik and foreign worker Mominul Islam.

“We carried out a thorough search of the area including sifting through the rubble and checking the ceilings but we did not find them.

“They may have left the scene after the blast and we hope that they will come forward to assist in our investigations,” he said.

Earlier, Malacca Governor Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob visited the injured blast victims at the Malacca Hospital and the blast scene to see the extent of damage caused by the explosion.

By MARTIN CARVALHO and CHEN PELF YEEN

Dipetik Dari Star Online 15 Disember 2009

Pekerja Terhidu Bau Gas Sebelum Letupan Di Jusco Melaka

Workers smelt ‘trouble’ before being floored

MALACCA: For workers at AEON Jusco, the only hint of trouble was the smell of gas before a powerful blast knocked them out.

Ghafar Baba, 41, was checking the final touches to the building which was set to open on Thursday, when he got a whiff of “an odd smell”. Minutes later, there was an explosion.

“I didn’t realise it was gas. I had just stepped out of the building when the explosion occurred,” he said when met at the scene.

A tenant, who will operate a restaurants there, said the tenants were told to be present at the building before noon yesterday for tests to be carried out on the gas system.

“We were told to come in at 11am with two representatives from each restaurant or outlet for the tests.

“It was before 1pm when I noticed the smell of gas and told the contractor about it. But before he could do anything, there was a loud explosion. I ran out as fast as I could,” he said.

Twenty-two-year-old Musli Ali, from Aceh, said he took an early lunch break and was resting when he was floored by the blast.

“The next thing I knew, I was lying on the floor covered in debris. I was stunned because I was quite close to the blast,” he said at the Malacca Hospital.

He was thankful to have escaped serious injuries and was given outpatient treatment for a minor cut.

Dipetik Dari Star Online 15 Disember 2009

Supervisor Terbunuh Di Tempat Kerja Dalam Letupan Di Jusco Melaka

Intensive damage: The glass and ceiling panels of this restaurant were completely shattered by the explosion.

Supervisor killed in gas explosion

MALACCA: The much-anticipated opening of the largest AEON Jusco outlet in the country in Jalan Legenda, Bachang, here is likely to be postponed following a gas explosion that killed a 25-year-old supervisor and injured 16 others.

The explosion is believed to have occurred at the food court section on the ground floor of the three-storey complex just before 1pm yesterday when workers and tenants were busy making final preparations for Thursday’s grand opening.

The force of the blast blew a 2m-wide hole in the building’s wall, showering glass and debris over a 25m radius and causing a small fire.

Firemen from the Kubu station, who arrived six minutes after receiving a distress call, found two injured victims lying outside the building.

Tiau See Peing, a supervisor from Batu Pahat at the Old Town White Coffee, was found dead with a neck wound caused by flying debris.

Other victims were pulled out alive from the rubble.

State fire department operations deputy director R. Ezhumalai said the blast is believed to have been caused by a gas leak when workers were testing gas meters from the centralised liquid petroleum gas system.

“Several survivors mentioned there was a smell of gas shortly before the blast,” he said at the scene, adding that the injuries and damage came mostly from the blast and flying debris.

“We are still investigating to determine the exact location of the blast and what may have caused it.”

At press time, seven victims were reported to have suffered serious injuries while three are in critical condition. They have been warded at the Malacca Hospital.

Six other victims received outpatient treatment.

Meanwhile, state Human Resources Committee chairman Datuk Yaakub Md Amin said the Department of Occupational Safety and Health had been directed to investigate the blast, adding that investigations would focus on whether the contractors had followed safety measures.

By MARTIN CARVALHO and CHEN PELF YEEN

Dipetik Dari Star Online 15 Disember 2009

Kemalangan Maut Di Jusco Melaka

Malacca Fire and Rescue Department personnel leaving the Aeon Jusco mall after investigating the cause of explosion on Monday. - Starpix by A Malex Yahaya

Gas explosion at mall: 1 worker killed, 16 hurt (Update)

MALACCA: The much anticipated grand opening of the largest AEON Jusco mall in the country here in Jalan Legenda in Bachang this Dec 17 is likely to be postponed following a fatal gas explosion that killed a 25-year-old supervisor while injuring 16 others on Monday.

The explosion was said to have happened at the food court section located on ground floor of the three-storey complex just before 1pm when workers and tenants were busy making final preparation for the opening.

The force of the blast blew a 2m hole in the building’s sidewall while showering glass and debris over a 25m radius before starting a small fire.

Firemen from the Kubu fire and rescue station, who arrived on the scene six minutes after receiving a distress call at 12.59pm, immediately put out a small fire and found two injured victims lying outside the building.

A search and rescue operation was mounted for other victims when it was learned that there were several others missing or trapped under the rubble.

Five victims were later pulled out alive from the rubble while another, Tiau See Peing, 25, a supervisor from Batu Pahat with Old Town White Coffee was found dead with a fatal neck wound cause by flying debris.

State Fire Departments operations deputy director R. Ezhumalai said the blast is believed to have been caused by a leak when workers were testing the gas meters from the centralised Liquid Petroleum Gas system.

“We believe that the explosion was due to a gas leak as victims mentioned the smell of gas shortly before the blast.

“Although there was a small fire, the injuries and damage were caused by the blast and flying debris,” he said when met at the scene here.

Initial investigations, he added, indicated the blast originated from a leak in the gas system near the food court next to the Food & Tea restaurant.

“We are still investigating to determine the exact location of the blast or what may have caused it,” he said, adding that several other victims were earlier rushed to the hospital for treatment.

At press time, seven victims were reported to have suffered serious injuries while three are said to be in critical condition at the Malacca Hospital. Six other victims received outpatient treatment.

Meanwhile, state human resources committee chairman Datuk Yaakub Md Amin said the Department of Occupational Safety and Health has been directed to investigate the blast.

Investigations will focus on whether the contractors had followed safety measures.

“Action will be taken against them if they had not done so, resulting in the explosion,” he said.

He added that it was fortunate that the blast happened before the opening of the shopping complex when there were fewer people around.

By MARTIN CARVALHO and CHEN PELF YEEN


Dipetik dari Star Online 14 Disember 2009

Memupuk Budaya OSH di Sekolah

Laman web Bernama melaporkan pada 1 November 2009 bahawa Pengerusi NIOSH, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye telah menegaskan tentang kepentingan Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan (Occupational Safety and Health) menjadi subjek yang dipelajari di sekolah-sekolah atau sekurang-kurangnya para guru dan pelajar mendengar ceramah-ceramah berkaitan untuk memupuk kesedaran tentang Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan (Occupational Safety and Health. Selain itu,

1. Setiap pelajar perlu sedar tentang kepentingan keselamatan dan mematuhi peraturan keselamatan.

2. Budaya safety perlu ditanam di kalangan pelajar untuk mengelak kejadian yang tidak diingini.

3. Pengetahuan mengenai OSH boleh memastikan pelajar-pelajar dan para guru sihat dan selamat.

4. Buku panduan mengenai OSH di sekolah telah diterbitkan semenjak tahun 2007.

5. Masanya telah tiba untuk kita dan Kementerian Pelajaran membangunkan program keselamatan dan kesihatan yang komprehensif di sekolah-sekolah.

6. Mengadakan subjek OSH di sekolah memerlukan perancangan teliti. Namun, buat permulaan ia boleh diajar melalui ceramah atau seminar.

7. Sebanyak 13 buah sekolah telah dipilih untuk menyertai program OSH yang ditaja oleh badan korporat.

Pengurusan Pembelian Dan Kontraktor Yang Mematuhi Sistem Pengurusan OSH

Kepentingan mengurus pembelian yang mematuhi sistem pengurusan OSH

1. Pengurusan perlu memberi perhatian yang sewajarnya terhadap pengurusan pembelian. Ini kerana bahan-bahan atau kelengkapan yang dibeli boleh mendatangkan bahaya dan menyebabkan kecederaan atau menjejaskan kesihatan. Pembelian bahan atau kelengkapan dikawal oleh undang-undang berikut
a. Akta Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan 1994
b. Peraturan-peraturan Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan (Kawalan Terhadap Bahaya Kemalangan Besar Dalam Perindustrian) 1996 @ CIMAH 1996
c. Peraturan-peraturan Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan (Penggunaan Dan Standard Pendedahan Bahan Kimia Berbahaya Kepada Kesihatan) 2000 @ USECHH 2000

2. Akta Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan 1994 mentakrifkan kontraktor sebagai pekerja majikan itu sendiri. Sebarang kecederaan kepada pekerja kontraktor samalah dengan kecederaan kepada pekerja majikan itu sendiri. Perkhidmatan kontraktor penting. Pengurusan pembelian mengawal mutu bahan dan kelengkapan yang digunakan oleh kontraktor, mengawal prestasi kontraktor dan mengawal bilangan pekerja kontraktor yang lebih ramai daripada pekerja majikan. Pra-kelayakan kontraktor perlu kerana daripadanya kita boleh mengetahui sejarah prestasi kontraktor.

3. Pengurusan pembelian juga bertujuan untuk menyeragamkan standard bagi menilai prestasi kontraktor apabila kuasa untuk mengambil kontraktor diberi kepada jabatan yang terlibat. Selain itu, menurut Seksyen 18 Akta Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan 1994, tanggungjawab terhadap kerja di tapak tidak boleh diwakilkan kepada orang lain.

7 Langkah Mengurus Pembelian Dan Kontraktor Dalam Syarikat

1. Polisi

Sebelum membuat pembelian, syarikat perlu mengenalpasti ciri-ciri dan prestasi bahan/produk atau perkhidmatan yang dikehendaki serta apakah langkah-langkah yang perlu sebelum bahan/produk atau perkhidmatan itu digunakan.

Syarikat perlu mempunyai prosedur pembeliaan termasuk pra-kelayakan kontraktor yang mengambilkira keperluan OSH dan undang-undang.

Syarikat memberitahu kontraktor dan pembekal tentang keperluan OSH syarikat sebelum menerima mereka untuk membida tender.

2. Perancangan

Syarikat perlu mengetahui bahaya dan risiko yang ada dan memberitahu kepada kontraktor. Maklumat ini dimasukkan ke dalam dokumen tender. Ini supaya kontraktor dapat menyediakan program keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan yang sesuai apabila mereka berjaya mendapatkan kontrak itu. Kontarktor tidak dibenarkan untuk memulakan kerja sebelum ia dapat memenuhi keperluan OSH.

Proses mengenalpasti bahaya dan risiko berterusan di sepanjang tempoh kontrak. Syarikat dan kontraktor mengambil tindakan-tindakan yang sesuai ke atas bahaya dan risiko yang ada.

Syarikat juga perlu memasukkan fasal tentang cara-cara mengendali kontraktor yang melanggar peraturan OSH dalam prosedur pembelian serta tindakan-tindakan susulan yang perlu diambil. Terma kontrak mesti mempunyai peruntukan untuk menamatkan kontrak apabila kontraktor melanggar peraturan OSH.

Kontraktor juga perlu melaporkan prestasinya kepada Safety and Health Officer (SHO) secara berkala.

Menurut Peraturan 24 Peraturan-peraturan Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan (Penggunaan Dan Standard Pendedahan Bahan Kimia Berbahaya Kepada Kesihatan) 2000 @ USECHH 2000, seorang majikan yang menerima bekalan bahan kimia berbahaya kepada kesihatan yang baginya bahan kimia itu tidak dilabelkan atau Risalah Data Keselamatan Kimia tidak disediakan, hendaklah memperoleh maklumat berkaitan daripada pembekal dan tidak boleh menggunakan bahan kimia itu sehingga maklumat sedemikian diperolehi.

3. Memilih Kontraktor

a. Data kemalangan dan kesihatan pekerjaan semenjak tiga tahun yang lepas
b. Kontraktor menyediakan referi
c. Syarikat mengesahkan maklumat yang disediakan serta menyiasat latar belakang kontraktor. Data mengenai prestasi OSH kontraktor pada masa lalu juga diperiksa.

Untuk pembekal, kaedah yang sama digunakan.

4. Menjelaskan Kontrak dan Mesyuarat Pra-Mobilisasi

Kontraktor membentangkan rancangan OSH semasa mesyuarat ini. Rancangan OSH kontraktor disemak oleh Pegawai Kontrak, Pegawai Projek, SHO dan sebagainya sama ada ia mematuhi keperluan OSH atau tidak. Mereka membincangkan keperluan OSH, perlaksanaan pelan OSH dan deraf akhir pelan OSH yang akan digunakan oleh kontraktor. Jawatankuasa Keselamatan dan Kesihatan perlu terlibat berdasarkan Peraturan 11 (a) dan (b) Peraturan-peraturan Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan (Jawatankuasa Keselamatan dan Kesihatan) 1997.

Untuk pembekal, agenda utama ialah bagaimana penggunaan bahan dapat mematuhi keperluan OSH. Jawatankuasa Keselamatan dan Kesihatan perlu terlibat sama.

5. Orientasi Dan Latihan

Ia diadakan sebelum semua kakitangan kontraktor memulakan kerja. Ia mengandungi

a. Peraturan safety umum
b. Pelaporan kecemasan dan prosedur tindakan kecemasan
c. Prosedur permit kerja
d. Bahaya fizikal dan kimia di tapak (kebakaran, letupan dan perlepasan toksik)
e. lain-lain isu harian

Untuk pembekal, ia diadakan sebelum pekerja menggunakan bahan di tempat kerja.

6. Memantau OSH Dan Mengawal Aktiviti Kerja

Kontraktor perlu ada Pengurus project Di Tapak (Penyelia Tapak). Ia bertanggungjawab ke atas keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan di tempat seliaannya. Ia bertanggungjawab menyedia dan menghantar laporan insiden dan lain-lain perkara mengenai keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan. Ia selalu bekerjasama rapat dengan SHO syarikat. Penguatkuasaan perlu wujud. Pematuhan kontraktor terhadap keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan perlu sentiasa dipantau dan prestasinya dinilai serta direkod. Cara memantau ialah melalui laporan, audit dan pemeriksaan.

7. Close Out Dan Penilaian Selepas Kontrak

Syarikat menilai prestasi kontraktor dan merekodkan prestasinya untuk dipertimbangkan dalam projek akan datang.

Kontraktor membuang sisa, bahan, alat dan kelengkapan yang tidak digunakan. Tapak dibersihkan dan dikembalikan kepada keadaan asal.