Since 6,719 workplace accidents were reported in the previous year, workplace safety and health must receive more attention, especially from small and medium-sized businesses.
Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) statistics reported 2.22 workers for every 1,000 involved in occupational injuries and 2.06 workers for every 100,000 involved in fatal industrial accidents, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
“Therefore, I call upon all relevant parties, including employers, employees and non-governmental organisations, to unite in their efforts to ensure that the workplace remains a secure, healthy, and hazard-free environment,” he said at the closing ceremony of the Annual General Meeting and Conference Asia Pacific Occupational Safety & Health Organisation (APOSHO) 2023 on 25 October.
As reported by Bernama, he said part of this was implementing several initiatives, such as training programs and quick courses, to raise public awareness of the significance of occupational health and safety.
“It is my fervent hope that, together, we can create a workplace environment that is both safe and healthy where employees can work with confidence and comfort.
“By raising awareness, bolstering protection and adopting best practices, I am confident we can prevent unwanted workplace accidents, injuries and occupational diseases,” he added.
Prominent leaders in occupational safety and health (OSH) from both domestic and foreign backgrounds attended the two-day conference, which started yesterday, according to Fadillah. The conference specifically focused on the Asia-Pacific region.
“Conferences like this play an indispensable role in addressing contemporary OSH challenges and shaping the future of OSH, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.
“On behalf of the government of Malaysia, I assure all of you that we fully committed to providing unwavering support for any OSH initiative, whether it stems from the public or the private sector,” he added.
Since 6,719 workplace accidents were reported in the previous year, workplace safety and health must receive more attention, especially from small and medium-sized businesses.