Construction worker dies in Penang after seven-metre fall at Bayan Lepas site

GEORGE TOWN, Sept 6 — A construction worker lost his life in a tragic incident after falling approximately seven meters while dismantling scaffolding at a site in Bayan Lepas, Penang on Friday. The Penang Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) reported that the employee was descending the scaffolding to take a lunch break when the mishap occurred around 1:30 pm.

According to the DOSH, the worker sustained severe head injuries upon landing on the ground and was subsequently rushed to Penang Hospital (HPP) for medical attention. Unfortunately, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital.

In response to this unfortunate event, the Penang DOSH imposed a stop work order and a prohibition of interference order to safeguard the site and facilitate a thorough investigation. The department stated that further inquiries were being conducted, involving the collection of statements from the employer and witnesses, in order to determine the cause of the accident and ascertain whether any occupational safety and health legislation had been breached.

The investigation is being carried out under the provisions of Sections 15, 18A, and 18B of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (Act 514) and the relevant occupational safety and health regulations.