At EDOTCO, safety is more than a concept—it is embedded in everything we do. As we lead the development of digital infrastructure powering global connectivity, we recognise that safety is not just a task to complete; it is a fundamental value that safeguards lives.

Our unwavering commitments toward Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) are ingrained in every facet of our global operations. We had the honor of delving deeper into EDOTCO's leadership in OHS through an insightful discussion with Mohd Fadhlie bin Muhammad Sutan Mudo, Head of OHS.

In this insightful conversation, he highlighted the role OHS plays within our global tower company and explained how our '10 Absolute Rules' act as the foundation for fostering a #SafetyFirst culture among all our employees.

Q1: What is the strategic importance of having OHS in a national tower company (TowerCo) like EDOTCO?

OHS Head: Our work, especially in building and maintaining telecommunications towers, involves high-risk environments. Our teams operate in complex conditions—working at certain heights and handling heavy machinery and electrical components. Given these risks, the importance of OHS is paramount.

Our top priority is protecting our people, partners, and the communities we serve. I passionately believe that when we put health and safety first, we are not only safeguarding lives but also securing the sustainability and continuity of our operations. The safer we are, the more efficient and productive we become, which enhances both our delivery service and the trust our customers place in us.

Q2: How does EDOTCO ensure that its safety standards are adhered to across different regions and diverse environments?

OHS Head: As a global company operating across multiple countries, we face diverse challenges due to varying regulatory frameworks, infrastructure maturity, and geographical conditions. To navigate these complexities, we have developed a universal safety framework based on global best practices, yet adaptable to local regulations.

Central to this approach are our "10 Absolute Rules," which form the foundation of our safety culture and are mandatory across all regions. We ensure consistency through continuous training, rigorous audits, and open communication channels within our teams.

We also use technology to our advantage, whether it is using real-time monitoring systems for hazardous work or digital platforms that allow employees to report and track safety incidents. These technologies allow us to act quickly, no matter where our employees are, ensuring the same level of safety vigilance across all our regions.

Q3: Speaking of the "10 Absolute Rules," can you take us through them and explain why they are central to EDOTCO’s safety initiatives?

OHS Head: The "10 Absolute Rules" are at the heart of EDOTCO’s safety culture. These rules are a distilled set of principles based on real-world incidents and preventative practices. They are designed to minimise risks, improve awareness, and ensure that everyone—from the unsung hero at the top of a tower to employees in the office—contributes to a safe working environment.

Each rule targets a specific high-risk behavior or scenario we have identified across our operations. Here is a deeper look at the 10 Absolute Rules:

• Rule 1 – Work with a valid permit (PTW) required by the job


• Rule 2 – Only a competent person can handle electrical equipment


• Rule 3 – Install proper protection while performing excavation or pier hole work and when near the public area


• Rule 4 – Protect yourself against a fall when working at height (>1.8 meter)


• Rule 5 – Wear mandatory personal protective equipment (PPE)


• Rule 6 – Always perform the job under supervision, working alone is not permitted


• Rule 7 – No alcohol or drugs while working or driving


• Rule 8 – While driving, do not use your mobile phone and adhere speed limits


• Rule 9 – Wear your seat belt


• Rule 10 – No smoking inside office and site areas

Q4: How does EDOTCO promote continuous safety education and awareness among its workforces?

OHS Head: Education and awareness are continuous processes, particularly in an industry where safety protocols evolve with technological advancements. At EDOTCO, every employee receives mandatory OHS training during onboarding. Additionally, we maintain regular communication and provide refresher courses on our policies and guidelines.

We have also woven safety into our internal communication strategy by regularly sharing success stories and near-miss incidents. This approach reinforces the idea that safety is a daily practice rather than a one-time lesson.

Q5: In a fast-paced and high-pressure industry, how do you maintain a culture where safety is not overlooked in favor of speed or efficiency?

OHS Head: It is a challenge that every company in our sector faces—balancing the need for efficiency with the imperative for safety. The way we handle this at EDOTCO is by embedding safety into the very definition of efficiency.

Our stance is that no work is so urgent that we cannot do it safely. This is not just a slogan; it is embedded in how we set performance goals and KPIs. We incentivise safety just as much as we do speed and quality, and we have built-in checks to ensure that cutting corners on safety is never an option.

We also empower our employees to "Stop Work" if they believe there is an unsafe condition at sites. That is a huge part of the culture—anyone, at any level, has the authority to halt operations if they think safety is at risk, with no fear of reprimand.

Q6: The #SafetyFirst campaign is a powerful slogan. What does it mean to you personally, and what message do you want employees to take from it?

OHS Head: For me, #SafetyFirst is more than just a personal mission. It is not just about compliance or policies—it is about people. Every rule, every procedure we implement is about ensuring that our employees, contractors, and even the communities we serve, are safe and protected. I have seen firsthand the difference that a strong safety culture can make—not just in avoiding accidents but in building a company where people feel valued and cared for.

To every EDOTCO employee, I would say this: the "10 Absolute Rules" are more than guidelines—they are commitments we make to ourselves and each other. Putting #SafetyFirst means being vigilant, being proactive, and never compromising on safety no matter what. When we all work together with this mindset, we ensure that everyone gets to go home safe at the end of the day.

At EDOTCO, safety is non-negotiable. Through initiatives like the "10 Absolute Rules" and a commitment to continuous education, the company ensures that #SafetyFirst is more than a motto—it is a way of life. Every employee, from the top executives to the field teams, is responsible for fostering a safer, healthier workplace for all. With safety at the heart of everything EDOTCO does, the company is setting a new standard for how safety can be integrated into global tower operations.

For more information, read about EDOTCO's OHS here!

##END##

Written by
EDOTCO Editorial