Beware the long arm of revised OSHA

DESPITE the enforcement of the amended Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (Act 514) since June 1, 2024, many companies, NGOs, volunteer organisations and religious institutions remain unaware of their obligations under this law.

The amended OSHA requires all workplaces with five or more employees to have a designated occupational safety and health coordinator (OSH-C) who must have undergone the mandatory three-day training programme.

One area of concern is the lack of awareness among religious institutions, residents associations (RAs) in gated communities, and other non-profit organisations. Many individuals in these sectors may not realise their potential liability under the Act as they are often volunteers.

A recent case involving the RA of a gated community highlights the risks of ignorance. The RA committee, which engaged numerous contractors and subcontractors, was unaware of their obligations.

Upon learning of the potential consequences, the RA president offered to resign immediately, stating that he did not want to take on unnecessary legal liability as a volunteer for fear of non-compliance with the Act.

This incident serves as an urgent call to action for unconsciously non-compliant workplaces, NGOs, volunteer organisations, and religious institutions to understand and comply with workplace safety regulations.

The potential legal liabilities are real, and ignorance is no excuse.

CHIN YEW SIN

Shah Alam