Work towards zero workplace accidents, urges NIOSH chairman

PETALING JAYA: There should be zero accidents at workplaces, if possible, says National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) chairman Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong.

Wilson urged employers and employees to practise a safe and healthy working environment to prevent any mishaps.

Therefore, he urged stakeholders to work as a team and conduct activities related to safety and health to ensure a safe work environment.

“At least, we want zero accidents or casualties.

“Our goal is to reduce accidents at workplaces,” he said at the sidelines of the Occupational Safety and Health Day celebration.

Statistics from the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) showed that there were 6,686 workplace accidents reported as of December 2021, of which 174 were fatal. Another 249 victims became disabled.

The sector which contributed to the highest number of deaths during the period was construction, where 65 casualties were reported.

As at the first quarter of this year, there were 1,703 such accidents reported which claimed the lives of 48 while 54 became disabled.

The manufacturing sector contributed to the highest number of fatalities coming from manufacturing and construction which reported 16 deaths each.

Meanwhile, Wilson also advised the public to continue to observe standard operating procedure (SOP) to curb Covid-19, despite the announcement on relaxations.

“Children as young as two to three years old have yet to be vaccinated and only those aged five and above have been vaccinated. So if possible please observe the SOP while you are with your family,” he said.

“If there is a big crowd, why not use the SOP to be safe,” he said.

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin announced a slew of relaxed measures on Wednesday (April 27). Among the measures were making MySejahtera check-ins and wearing face masks outdoors no longer compulsory.