KUCHING: The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is intensifying efforts to enhance awareness about the importance of occupational safety and health (OSH) measures in the workplace.
Its chairman Chong Chieng Jen said that in a commitment to safeguarding employee welfare and rights, NIOSH aims to draw attention to the most neglected aspect of OSH among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia.
“OSH is one of the most overlooked and under-appreciated aspects of many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia,” Chong said, emphasising the significant impact that workplace injuries and illnesses can have on businesses.
According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), these issues may account for up to four per cent of the global gross domestic product (GDP) due to medical expenses, lost productivity, and work interruptions.
Chong highlighted alarming statistics for Malaysia in 2022, which saw a rate of 222 workplace injuries and a fatality rate of 2.16 per 100,000 workers.
“We must continue to do it together and move towards a safer workplace,” he added.
