Bangladeshi construction worker killed in lightning strike in Malaysia

A Bangladeshi worker was killed after he was hit by lightning while working at a construction site on May 28 in Malaysian city of Johor Bahru.

Johor Occupational Safety and Health Department (DOSH) director Mohd Rosdee Yaacob said the incident took place at about 3.45pm on Friday at Taman Industri Jaya in Skudai.

"The 39-year-old man was transferring concrete with a bucket transfer and crane driven by an operator.

"Initial investigations show that the weather was gloomy during the incident and there was thunder when the victim was transferring the concrete at level one of the building under construction.

"The victim's supervisor and colleague confirmed that the crane being used was hit by lightning.

"The victim collapsed at the scene and his clothes were torn," he said in a statement on Sunday (May 30).

He added that the victim was pronounced dead at about 4.40pm at Sultanah Aminah Hospital the same day.

"Following initial investigations, DOSH issued two notices for the employer to come out with a comprehensive assessment and risk control report.

"DOSH has also issued two notices for the employer to produce a report on the incident," he said.

He said that DOSH viewed workplace accidents involving workers seriously and legal action could be taken under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994.

"Under the Act, employers are required to provide a safe working place for workers and others involved," he said.

Copyright: The Star/ Asia News Network