Industries must self-regulate safety in the workplace

THE Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) is the agency that enforces safety legislations in Malaysia. In 1967, the department enacted the Factories and Machinery Act, commonly known as FMA. The Act prescribes the technical details required for installing and operating machinery in the workplace. DOSH officers carry out frequent inspections to ascertain safety standards are met.

In 1994, DOSH enacted the Occupational Safety and Health Act (Osha). The spirit of the Act is based on the premise that the responsibility of ensuring safety and health in the workplace lies with those who create the risks and those who work with the risks. The Act thus rightly places the responsibility for workplace safety on employers and employees.