Initiative key to social security, says Kula

All smiles: Kulasegaran (centre) launching the Vision Zero Malaysia campaign at Putrajaya International Convention Centre. With him are (from left) Amir and Azman. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA: It is alarming that on average, three people die at the workplace in Malaysia every day, said Human Resources Minister M. Kulasegaran.

It is high time for employers and workers to do away with its “tidak apa” attitude towards safety at the workplace, he said.

“Many causes of accidents, in which human factor has been identified as the primary cause, have made children lose their parents and vice versa, employers lose their skilled workers, while the nation loses high potential human resources.

“We should aim for zero morbi­dity from non-communicable diseases, zero hardship from disability and zero tolerance for high-risk behaviour. Maybe it is not too late for us to change the ‘tidak apa’ or indifferent attitude of the current generation towards accidents and diseases.

“All stakeholders should start taking action and educate our young generation that accidents are preventable, and no single accident is acceptable,” said Kulasegaran at the launch of the Vision Zero Malaysia campaign here.

He said a reduction of occupational accidents can only happen if there is a behavioural change at the workplace.

The awareness, he added, begins with both employers and employees.

“A simple thing such as workers wearing safety helmets but they do not buckle them. It is a common thing that you see happening everywhere.

“This needs to change. Employers, too, should make an effort to spend a few minutes with their workers to get the message on safety across,” said Kulasegaran.

Vision Zero is a worldwide initiative introduced by the International Social Security Association which aims to reduce workplace accidents and occupational diseases.

“The idea is not to target zero accidents, but it is a process to reduce accidents with the aim to prevent injuries and diseases and to build a culture of prevention in the workplace,” said Kulasegaran.

The minister said Vision Zero can also be extended beyond workplaces.

“From Vision Zero in workplaces, we can start Vision Zero Community, Vision Zero Schools, Vision Zero Estates or other community-based initiatives,” he said.

Vision Zero Malaysia was launched in conjunction with the two-day Vision Zero Conference Malaysia 2019 here organised by Social Security Organisation (Socso).

Kulasegaran said that during the conference, some 170 Malaysian companies pledged to adopt the Vision Zero campaign.

Also present at the launch were ministry secretary-general Datuk Amir Omar, Socso chief executive Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed and other international social security experts.