The Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA), in conjunction with World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2024, launched the inaugural Workplace Safety and Health Conference (WSHCON) 2024 at the International Convention Centre in Berakas yesterday.
Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, in his capacity as the minister-in-charge of SHENA, officiated the conference.
This year’s World Day for Safety and Health at Work is themed ‘The impacts of climate change on occupational safety and health, that focussing on the climate change that has an impact on the workplace, in particular, the safety and well-being of workers’.
Acting Interim Chief Executive Officer of SHENA Haji Mohd Yusof bin Haji Mohd Taufik said the conference not only acknowledges World Day for Safety and Health at Work, but it also aims to address a critical issue that intersects occupational safety and health and global challenges, namely the impacts of climate change.
Haji Mohd Yusof added that this year’s theme underscored the urgent need to examine the repercussions or effects of environmental shifts on the safety and well-being of workers, from a regional perspective in contrast to local experiences.
“SHENA aims to continue to recognise and re-emphasise the importance of fostering a culture of compliance aligned with national laws and regulations, exploring the role of employers in workplace safety and health, as well as practices in prioritising the holistic well-being of our workforce,” Haji Mohd Yusof said.
He added, “This conference brings together the experts and constituents from the government and industry, as well as health experts, to share their experience and knowledge and discuss contemporary issues related to improvements in the culture of occupational safety and health, such as working at height and compliance to existing applicable legislation, as well as raising awareness on the impacts and risks of the climate change towards the health and safety at work.”
The two-day conference features over 20 panellist speakers from various industry sectors, 20 booth exhibitions and is expected to draw more than 400 local participants.
The international speakers are from various organisations involved in advancing workplace safety and health standards including representatives from the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Ministry of Manpower in Singapore, the Workplace Safety and Health Council (WSH Council) in Singapore, the Malaysian Industrial Hygiene Association (MIHA), and the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) in Malaysia.
Eight panel sessions will cover a range of occupational safety and health topics such as impacts and strategies for workplace safety and health, managing occupational health risks, preventing burnout, promoting well-being, and mitigating risks in working at height.
The experts will also share strategies and insights, enhancing dialogue on combating occupational hazards related to climate change as well as building cultures of compliance, workplace solidarity and hazard prevention. – Rokiah Mahmud
