KUCHING: The Sarawak Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) kicked off an Occupational Safety and Health Coordinator (OSH-C) workshop for the agricultural sector, especially for oil palm plantation operators, in Miri on Monday (Aug 23).
The workshop aimed to help the industry train responsible employees regarding OSH aspects in the workplace.
“The workshop touched on 10 topics, including machinery maintenance and operations, employee welfare, chemical handling, farm safety, and health management as well as accident reporting,” said Sarawak DOSH director Ir Dr Nor Halim Hasan.
According to DOSH statistics, the main causes of accidents on farms were largely related to the handling and operation of agricultural machinery.
“In 2018, the department received over 57 accident reports in this sector, and the number of accident cases reported increased to 117 in 2019, and 120 cases were reported in 2020.
“Meanwhile for fatal accident cases, five cases were recorded in 2019 and nine in 2020, even during the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Stressing on OSH as a shared responsibility, Nor Halim urged employers, employees, and all parties to carry out their respective duties to ensure safety and health in their workplace.
He also hoped that participants would use what they had learned during the workshop for the benefit of their workplace and colleagues.
“Hopefully, the rate of accidents and fatal accidents in this industry will drop with this kind of education and exposure.”
The free workshop, which ends on Aug 25, is currently taking place at Marriott Hotel.
Thirty participants from major farms and plantations in Miri are attending.
