FATAL accidents involving workers at worksites are still a frequent occurrence in various parts of the country, judging from media reports recently.

The formulation and implementation of a good occupational safety and health (OSH) management system by employers is the best answer to reduce accidents as well as to enhance safety and health at the workplace.

One of the conditions for the success in the implementation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 1994 is the setting up of an OSH management system. An important element in this management system is that of training in OSH – both for the management as well as for the workers.

The responsibility for OSH in the workplace rests equally on those who create the risks (i.e. employers) as well as those who have to work with the risks (i.e. workers).

As workers must be assured of their rights to a safe and healthy work environment, there is a need to provide them with information, education and training so that they know best how to protect themselves.

Through the implementation of safe work procedures as well as the use of personal protective equipment, the workers will be able to prevent accidents.

Accidents don’t just happen; they are caused and, as such, can be prevented. Safety should be a key issue at every workplace. Safety training for employees is the key to achieving a successful safety programme and management must be committed to invest in safety.

An accident-free environment helps the company to save as well as increase the organisation’s productivity and profitability. It will also help to boost the morale of the workforce.

Companies must not profit at the expense of safety because if accidents occur lives may be lost and productivity affected.

An accident prevention strategy should therefore be adopted by all companies.

To achieve the total promotion of safety and health at work and elsewhere organisational measures for accident prevention, motivation and behavioural change must be adopted.

It is the responsibility of management to ensure that safety is a culture at their organisation, not just a priority.

In this time of global competition and sweeping change, it is not enough for companies to make safety a priority. Priorities change but cultures stand the test of time. Safety must be a culture at the workplace.

TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE,

Chairman, NIOSH.

Source: The Star – January 9, 2008