BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: A safe and healthy working environment does not merely protect the well-being of our workforce; it is a fundamental pillar of national progress, economic prosperity, and social stability, said a Brunei minister in his message for World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2026.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence Dato Paduka Seri Awang Halbi Mohd Yussof, who is also Minister-in-Charge of Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (Shena), said by cultivating a strong and sustained safety culture, the country can strengthen the groundwork for a highly productive workforce and a healthier, more resilient society for generations to come.
"It is therefore imperative we recognise that a nation that protects its workers, protects its future," he said.
He added, “As we observe the World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2026 under the theme ‘Good Psychosocial Working Environments: A Pathway to Thriving Workers and Strong Organisations’, we are reminded that mental well-being is a fundamental right, not a privilege.
"Our responsibility now is to act decisively by recognising, assessing and mitigating psychosocial risks in every workplace, so that workers can thrive and organisations can grow stronger by addressing those risks with urgency, commitment and resolve.
“The International Labour Organization (ILO) defines psychosocial risks as the dynamic interaction between the work environment, job content, organisational conditions, and the personal circumstances and needs of workers.
“Psychosocial hazards are multifaceted and may arise from excessive workloads, poor working conditions, unclear roles and expectations, career development concerns, job security, workplace conflict, harassment and the persistent challenge of balancing professional and family responsibilities may also contribute to psychosocial strain. If left unaddressed, the consequences extend beyond individual distress. Organisations may face declining productivity, and heightened risks of workplace accidents or incidents.
“To manage these challenges effectively, employers, workers, human resource practitioners, and HSE professionals must move beyond reactive measures towards proactive, preventive and systematic approaches. This involves fostering work environments where employees are not only protected from harm but are also empowered.
“According to 2022 estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the ILO, depression and anxiety account for approximately 12 billion working days lost globally each year. This loss translates into a cost of nearly USD1 trillion annually to the global economy.
These figures underscore the profound consequences of neglecting mental health and its direct and measurable impact on national productivity, including in Brunei Darussalam.”
The minister said the 2022 ILO Global Survey reported that nearly 23 per cent of workers worldwide have experienced violence or harassment at work, whether physical, psychological, or sexual.
Such conducts are entirely incompatible with the standards of dignity and respect that modern workplaces must uphold. The message is also clear, that mental health, workplace safety, and productivity are inseparable.
Organisations that overlook psychosocial hazards risks higher absenteeism, increased staff turnover, and reduced productivity, all of which translate into tangible financial losses and operational disruption.
Conversely, workers who have positive morale and a strong sense of well-being consistently demonstrate improved safety performance. Prioritising psychosocial well-being is therefore a strategic investment that drives safer operations, more resilient and stronger innovation.
To achieve a truly holistic approach to worker protection in an increasingly complex and dynamic environment, our safety and health efforts must encompass both physical and psychological aspects with equal emphasis, added the minister.
The Shena has consistently addressed psychosocial risks alongside physical hazards, and as the nature of work evolves, it will intensify its efforts to meet the challenges posed by contemporary, less visible hazards to workers well-being.
The Government of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has prioritised addressing such risks through sustained initiatives. The launch of the Guideline book on Addressing Harassment in the Public Service of Brunei Darussalam in November 2025 established clear standards to foster respect and accountability in the workplace.
Building on this foundation, interagency collaboration between Shena, the Health Promotion Centre, the Public Service Department and the Department of Labour in January 2026 piloted policies aimed at fostering safer, and more inclusive workplaces, where psychosocial risks are reduced and mental healthcare is accessible without stigma.
The minister said it is imperative that employers uphold high standards in managing psychosocial risks, while employees actively foster a culture of mutual respect and shared responsibility. Through such collective effort, social partners can also ensure that organisational goals are achieved with safety, well-being, and resilience at the heart of every operations.
“There is no health without mental health. As we commemorate the World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2026, let us reaffirm our shared commitment to building workplaces where every individual feels valued, respected and supported, both physically and psychologically.” - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
