COMMENT | Why are bosses spared when workplace safety non-existent?

COMMENT | Malaysia - On May 28, 2009, one floor of the iconic Jaya Supermarket building collapsed while demolition work was being carried out for redevelopment, killing seven Indonesian workers. Some directors and the companies involved were charged for failing to ensure that the workers and civilians were not exposed to health and safety risks. They pleaded guilty and fines were imposed.

Australia - Brisbane Auto Recycling which operated an auto wrecking business in Rocklea, Queensland. On May 17, 2019, an employee was crushed by a reversing forklift. The court imposed a penalty of A$3 million on the company while its directors were each sentenced to 10 months imprisonment and wholly suspended for 20 months.

The United Kingdom - On Feb 4 this year, a company director whose warehouse worker was crushed to death at work was jailed for four years. Chinese national Han Rao, who’s firm TLW (UK) Ltd is based in Renwick Road, Barking, London, was warned of safety failings on the day skyscraper window panes toppled over onto victim Marian Iancu in November 2015.

Singapore - A safety officer and a project manager were sentenced to jail on Sept 23 after a Bangladeshi worker died following a construction accident at the Changi Airport more than three years ago. Workplace Safety and Health officer Tan Wee Meng was sentenced to two months’ jail, while project manager Lee Chung Ling was sentenced to three months’ jail. The employer company, Chan & Chan was earlier fined S$150,000 for failing to take practicable measures to ensure the safety and health of its employees

The above four cases ...