SHAH ALAM, Oct 25 — With 6,719 workplace accidents reported last year, there is a pressing need for greater emphasis on workplace safety and health, particularly among small and medium-sized industries.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the Department of Occupational Safety and Health’s (DOSH) statistics revealed 2.22 workers per 1,000 in occupational injuries and 2.06 workers per 100,000 in fatal occupational accidents.
“Therefore, I call upon all relevant parties, including employers, employees, and non-governmental organisations, to unite in ensuring the workplace remains a secure, healthy, and hazard-free environment,” he said.
Fadillah was speaking at the Annual General Meeting and Conference Asia Pacific Occupational Safety & Health Organisation 2023’s closing ceremony today.
He said this includes implementing various activities like training and short courses to enhance public awareness of the importance of workplace safety and health.
“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,” Fadillah said.
The two-day conference, which began yesterday, saw eminent domestic and international figures from both domestic and international backgrounds in occupational safety and health participate, with a dedicated focus 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 Malaysian government, I assure everybody of our full commitment to providing unwavering support for any OSH initiative, whether it stems from the public or the private sector,” he added.
— Bernama
