KUALA LUMPUR: About 1,000 retired or soon-to-be retired firefighters will be given a new lease in their careers through free training to become certified experts in workplace safety, says Nga Kor Ming.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming (pic) said the training was a new joint ministry effort between his ministry and the Human Resources Ministry to give firefighters at the end of their careers the ability to use their skills in the corporate sector.
Through an agreement between the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh) and the Fire and Rescue Department, firefighters will have the option of taking one of many free courses on occupational safety.
Niosh’s Occupational Safety and Health Coordinators (OSH-C) course would be among the courses offered. This course would equip them with skills to identify risks, conduct audits, and coordinate safety programs at the workplace.
The Train The Trainer (TTT) course trains participants to become qualified professional trainers who can conduct courses related to OSH.
Firefighters may also take the “Lead Auditor” course on OSH management systems, which allows them to conduct audits of a company’s OSH management systems according to international standards.
“This program not only expands career opportunities for retired firefighters but also allows them to continue contributing to the safety and well-being of society through professional roles.
“The experience gained while serving as a firefighter, combined with this professional certification, will make them valuable assets to the industry,” Ng said in his speech at the signing ceremony between Bomba and Niosh at Parliament on Thursday (Mar 6).
Human Resource Minister Steven Sim added that firefighters chosen for the programme would be up to the Fire and Rescue Department.
“This initiative is a form of recognition for our firefighting heroes who have served with full dedication in protecting the people and the country.
“With structured training and recognised certification, retiring firefighters now have the opportunity to add value to themselves and society while enhancing their employability after retirement,” he said in his speech at the event.
