Greater need to emphasise workplace safety, health - Fadillah

SHAH ALAM - 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 statistics from the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) also revealed that there were 2.22 workers per 1,000 involved in occupational injuries and 2.06 workers per 100,000 involved in fatal occupational accidents.

"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 here today.

He said this included the implementation of various activities like training and short courses to enhance public awareness about 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,” he added.

Fadillah said the two-day conference, which began yesterday, saw the participation of eminent figures from both domestic and international backgrounds in the field of occupational safety and health (OSH) 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 government of Malaysia, I assure all of you that we are fully committed to providing unwavering support for any OSH initiative, whether it stems from the public or the private sector,” he added. - BERNAMA