I refer to the tragedy last week where bits that fell from a construction site crane caused the death of an innocent motorist. My sympathies to her family and friends and may God bless her soul.

I can imagine the anguish and grief they are going through as I thought how would I feel if this were to happen to my family member.

The fact that these sorts of accidentals are happening in Malaysia is a severe cause of embarrassment and extremely worrying.

I can understand why the crane operator had disappeared as based on the way we take action, he will the only one in the soup while many others, especially the safety officer as well as senior management of the companies involved, may be subject to just civil penalties.

If I were driving a car and my car tyre came off and caused the death of a motorist, surely I would not be fault, but it rests with either the car manufacturer or the service centre which last serviced my tyres.

Similarly, how could the crane operator be liable, let alone singly liable for this mishap? The safety officer, the engineers who cleared the crane and ultimately certified its safety are liable. The directors of all the companies involved, including the main contractor, sub-contractor and the crane operating companies, should also be charged with corporate manslaughter.

Only then will companies’ management in Malaysia take safety issues seriously and eradicate this scourge of modern construction in Malaysia.

Too many innocent lives have been lost in work site accidents in Malaysia recently. Tough action is needed to eradicate this lackadaisical action. I also hope and suggest that the family of the innocent lives lost commence legal action immediately for compensation as well as seek justice and accountability.