Man dies in Gopeng cement factory mishap

IPOH: A 20-year-old mechanical technician died from severe injuries after he got stuck in a conveyor drum at a cement factory in Gopeng.

Perak Occupational Safety and Health Department (DOSH) director Supian Alias said the accident occurred at about 9.55am Thursday (May 19).

The victim has been identified as Muhammad Hilmi Badrul Hisham.

“Initial investigations revealed that the victim was told to be alert before starting maintenance work at the coal conveyor belt area.

“The victim’s colleague found him stuck in the conveyor’s tail drum.

“He was rushed to the Kampar Hospital but was certified dead by a doctor,” he said in a statement.

Supian said they had sealed off the conveyor area for further investigation and until the employer makes improvements.

He said legal action would be taken against those responsible if there is any violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994.

“Employers are fully responsible to identify danger at the workplace, to analyse any risk, as well as to ensure proper risk management before work activities start.

“These are steps to reduce risk for workers and to prevent any accidents from happening.

“Such accidents can be avoided if employers carry out comprehensive risk control and assessment according to guidelines,” he said.