KUCHING: A business owner was fined RM60,000 by the Sessions Court here on Tuesday (May 5) for failing to conduct a proper risk assessment, which resulted in an accident involving a subcontracted worker.
Judge Iris Awen Jon meted out the sentence after the accused pleaded guilty to the charge read before the court.
The offence was committed under Section 18B(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSHA 1994).
The court also ordered that the accused serve six months’ imprisonment in default of payment of the fine.
According to the charge, the accused, in his capacity as a principal, failed to conduct a proper risk assessment involving safety and health hazards for overhead pole installation works, cable pulling, and cable splicing activities.
The negligence resulted in an accident involving a subcontracted worker, who subsequently suffered permanent disability.
Meanwhile, the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Sarawak, in a statement, reiterated its commitment to strengthening enforcement of occupational safety and health laws to safeguard workers’ welfare in the state.
