Company fined for failing to provide safe working system

KAJANG: An aluminium company was today fined RM20,000 by the Sessions Court here today for failing to provide a safe working system for the handling of machinery which resulted in a crane carrying two steel shelves to fall and crush its supervisor.
Judge Surita Budin handed down the sentence on LB Aluminium Berhad after the company, represented by its security and health officer pleaded guilty to the charge.
She said the company, as the employer, had failed to ensure the safety, health and welfare, while at work, of all its employees, including the victim, Mokhtar Mansur, 54, a packing supervisor.
The mishap occurred at its factory in Lot 11, Jalan Perusahaan 1, Kawasan Perusahaan Beranang, between 9.40am and 10am on Feb 10.
The charge, under Section 15(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 and punishable under Section 19 of the same act, carries a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or both.
According to the facts of the case, Mokhtar was supervising the lifting work of the iron shelves using an overhead travelling crane when suddenly the shelves fell off and crushed him to death. The victim sustained head and body injuries.
In mitigation, the company said it had improved safety measures at the factory following the incident and paid compensation of RM30,000 to the victim's family.
Department of Occupational Safety and Health prosecuting officer Zurena Mohammad Yusoff urged the court to mete out suitable punishment as the company had failed to comply with safety procedures. — Bernama