KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 17): MMC Gamuda KVMRT (PDP) Sdn Bhd, the project delivery partner of the first phase of Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit (KVMRT), has deployed a total of 60 safety superintendents at the construction sites, in light of the number of accidents — including fatalities — during construction of the rail project.

The MMC-Gamuda JV’s Deputy Construction Director Adil Putra Ahmad said the safety superintendents are to provide an extra layer of policing for checks and inspections, after the group had extended its zero tolerance programme to the entire alignment.

“These 60 safety superintendents will be stationed at locations where high-risk activities are being carried out along the entire alignment, to enforce strict supervision on adherence to safety guidelines and approved method statements,” he told a media briefing today.

Adil also said that management of the works package contractors had given MMC Gamuda KVMRT (PDP) their pledge to take ownership of worksite safety and to drill safety culture into its workers and subcontractors.

On top of that, the project delivery partner is working with all contractors to intensify training, in order to have all MRT workers equipped with the right safety awareness and competence, Adil added.

He listed the high-risk activities under strict scrutiny by Gamuda-MMC JV, under the zero tolerance programme, include launching of viaducts/special viaduct spans, heavy lifting, structures and crane operations adjacent to public roads, working at heights, temporary works such as excavations, and delivery of heavy loads such as segmental box girders and launching gantry segments.

“We are taking a serious approach to safeguard workers and public safety, with the Zero Tolerance Programme. We will not hesitate to remove MRT workers who are found to repeatedly ignore or fail to abide safety regulations and protocols at site,” Adil said.

Works at the KVMRT site have seen a number of accidents, where building materials fell onto properties of members of the public. However, the worst occurred on Aug 18, when three Bangladeshi workers were killed.

MRT Corp Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer Datuk Azhar Abdul Hamid tendered his resignation, the following day. However, the board decided that Azhar was to continue in his current role, and would only consider his resignation after investigations on the fatal accident has been completed.