On the ground: Sim (centre) at the soft launch of Asean OSH in Kuala Lumpur. Looking on are (from left) Deputy Chief Secretary (Policy and International) Ministry of Human Resources Datuk Norison Ramli, Niosh chairman Chong Chieng Jen, Niosh deputy chairman Manivanan Gowin and Niosh executive director Ayop Salleh. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The push for safer workplaces is expected to see significant improvements this year with the implementation of several programmes, which include free training for employees of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the world’s first-ever financial institution safety passport, says Steven Sim.
The Human Resources Minister said at least 10,000 employees from SMEs will have the opportunity to get free occupational safety and health (OSH) training next month.
He said it will be part of the new Occupational Safety and Health Coordinator (OSH-C) programme in which SMEs can start registering next week.
Organised by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh), Sim said the programme will begin in February.
He said the programme would help SMEs that might be financially strained to comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (Osha) (Amendment) 2022.
“As we know, the Osha Act requires employers with five or more employees to appoint or employ a trained and registered OSH-C,” he said, adding that smaller companies might not have the resources to meet this requirement.
As such, Sim said the ministry launched the programme to give free training for up to 10,000 representatives from SMEs.
“This is in line with our goal of ensuring every workplace, no matter how small, is safe for all who work there,” he said in a press conference after the soft launch of the Asean Safety and Health Workers Summit (Asean OSH 2025) at KLCC here yesterday.He added that SMEs interested in joining can contact Niosh through media channels, helplines or by visiting Niosh offices.
Sim also announced the implementation of the world’s first- ever financial institution safety passport later this year.
Developed by Niosh in collaboration with a number of local banks, he said the passport would not be mandatory for financial institutions.
However, Sim said the ministry would provide incentives to encourage its use.
“While many deem financial institutions as a low-safety-risk workplace, it also has many potential workplace hazards from something as basic as the use of cleaning liquid.”
Sim said participating financial institutions will require their workers who enter their premises to have this safety passport.
“This will strengthen the health and safety of the financial industry workforce to be on par with other industries, which have already implemented safety passports,” Sim said.
Earlier, he said the Asean OSH 2025 will take place at KLCC in early August this year. He said the summit would be pivotal to advancing OSH across the region.
“Through this summit, we aim to position Malaysia and Asean as global leaders in OSH best practices and innovation by creating smart and safe workplaces using the latest innovations, such as robotics and artificial intelligence (AI).
“This conference will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, safety professionals and academics to exchange knowledge, share best practices and foster strategic collaborations.
“I believe that we can provide a future-proof workforce by fostering regional and international collaborations, especially with Malaysia being the Asean Chair this year,” he said in his keynote speech at the event.
Sim said the summit will see a number of conferences, exhibitions and seminars on OSH for participants, including those from Asean neighbours.
Sim also revealed that the ministry would look to implement more mental health safety programmes for workers, following the success of its Occupational Mental Health First Aid (OMHFA) programme.
He said the programme, which was announced in February last year, had trained more than 10,000 participants on how to deal with mental health emergencies or issues at their workplace.
Having exceeded its original goal of 10,000 participants, Sim said the positive reception from companies and workers was a big step forward to addressing mental health issues in the country.
“We are aware that mental health issues continue to be a recurring concern not only in workplaces but also the wider community due to recent concerns and life pressures.
“On our part, we hope to continue implementing and expanding workplace mental health programmes this year as well,” Sim said.
