James Kon
The presentation of the Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA) on the existing laws needs to be followed by all in public and private sectors. It is an important element because it concerns worker’s basic rights to ensure the workplace meets the safety standard to avoid risk of physical or mental injury, accident or death, said Acting Director-General of the Public Works Department (JKR) Haji Shaharuddin Khairul bin Haji Anuar in his remarks during the closing of the Health and Safety Week 2023 yesterday.
He added, “Statistics and safety performance in the workplace as well as findings from the enforcement unit at SHENA on Workplace Safety and Health Order need to become references so that workers understand the common hazards in the surrounding. Employees should also stay vigilant and practise safer work procedures to avoid accidents.”
On the issue of mental health at workplace, he said, “It is important to control and balance the work culture and take care of mental health so that it does not have a negative effect on productivity.”
He added, “Symptoms of poor mental health should be taken seriously.”
Haji Shaharuddin noted the registration of progress, enforcement and compliance of existing acts and regulations such as Building Control Order (BCO) and Building Construction Regulation (BCR). He also urged the JKR to ensure that contractors would appoint and register a safety officer or safety coordinator with SHENA to help with the implementation of health and safety at project sites.
The ceremony also saw 15 sponsors and 15 exhibitors receive certificates of appreciation for making the Health and Safety Week a success.
As many as 130 participants, comprising officers and staff from the Ministry of Development and representatives of contractors, attended the Health and Safety Week organised by the JKR through its Administration and Finance Department.
Thirteen invited speakers also shared information, initiatives and the importance of health and safety in the workplace.
