In the protection of women’s safety and health in the workplace, work-related risks to women’s safety and health have been underestimated and neglected compared to men’s.
As working women face different challenges to their male counterparts, special considerations need to be taken in the workplace such as adjusted work tasks for pregnant women, ensuring the proper fit of personal protective equipment (PPE), reduced total weight limits for manual handling, limiting exposures of hazardous substances that may affect women’s fertility and fetal development, as well as being mindful of psycho-social hazards specifically impacting women due to hormonal changes, among others.
The needs for more protection for women in the field of safety and health in the workplace was reiterated by Permanent Secretary (Energy) at the Prime Minister’s Office Hajah Farida binti Dato Seri Paduka Haji Talib in her capacity as a member of SHENA Board of Directors during her keynote address as the guest of honour at the ‘Empowering Women in Safety and Health’ forum yesterday.
The forum, organised by the Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA), was held at the auditorium of the Design and Technology Building in Kampong Anggerek Desa.
Hajah Faridah added, “Applying a gender perspective is part of a holistic approach towards the workplace to make everyone feel safer and protected in their workplace including women.”
The representation and contribution of women, she said, “play a pivotal role in ensuring that matters such as policy and decision-making related to workplace safety and health are gender inclusive.
“Historically, the field of safety and health is perceived to be a male-dominated area; however, with the changes in society expectations and beliefs, room is created for women to have a seat at the table”.
She added, “We must not be complacent as more can and should be done to support women in achieving their full potential. This is in line with Brunei Vision 2035, towards ensuring equal opportunities towards developing a highly skilled workforce as well as achieving world-class health and safety.”
The forum was organised in conjunction with International Women’s Day, drawing 70 attendees comprising employees from organisations based at offices in the Anggerek Desa Technology Park and registered workplace safety and health officers and co-ordinators. – James Kon
