Brunei has taken a significant step towards enhancing workplace safety and health by ratifying International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 187. This move is seen as a step towards achieving the goals outlined in Brunei Vision 2035, said Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA) chief executive officer Haji Muhsin bin Haji Ahmad.
“By prioritising occupational safety and health, we are directly supporting the key pillars of Brunei Vision 2035,” he said during the launch of a two-day workshop.
The workshop, hosted by SHENA in collaboration with ILO aimed to bolster national efforts to strengthen the occupational safety and health (OSH) ecosystem. The event focused on practical implementation strategies and addressed challenges such as limited resources, awareness gaps and enforcement issues.
“To effectively implement ILO Convention 187, we need a collaborative approach involving government agencies, regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders,” Haji Muhsin emphasised. He called for increased investment in training and capacity-building, as well as stronger tripartite cooperation among government, employers and workers.
The workshops brought together government officials, private sector representatives, and OSH professionals. Discussions centred on key areas such as OSH qualification systems, OSH committee formation and the establishment of OSH management systems.
By working together, the Sultanate aims to create a safer and healthier workplace environment, fostering a more productive and sustainable economy. – James Kon
