‘Data helps keep workplaces safer’

COMPANIES should provide data on accidents and safety at the workplace to promote a safer working environment, said National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) executive director Zahrim Osman.

Under the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda, the collection of health and safety data was very important for each country as it was in line with the development of a country, he added.

He said many companies in Malaysia did not give NIOSH the necessary data, which disabled it from conducting research to improve safety and health at the workplace.

“It is not a requirement for companies to provide the data but we will advise it, so that we can focus on workers’ rights and prepare a safe and healthy working environment, including at hazardous working places.

“The collection of data is very important to identify new risks and potential hazardous areas at the workplace,” he said, adding that with the data, NIOSH would be able to take preventive measures including implementing policies and programmes.

“Currently, we rely on Socso (Social Security Organisation Malaysia) and the Occupational Safety and Health Department (DOSH) for accidents at the workplace.

“We hope this will change and more companies will approach us,” Zahrim said after launching the World Day for Safety and Health at Work seminar at Menara NIOSH, Bangi.

He was joined by NIOSH Consultation, Research and Development Department general manager Fadzil Osman and NIOSH Education and Training Department and Regional Offices general manager Major (Rtd) Hanif Maidin.

Zahrim added that Socso statistics for 2015 showed 62,387 accidents were reported. These were classified as industrial accidents and when commuting between home and workplace.

“What is alarming is that accidents when returning home or going to the workplace increased by 65.3% in 2015 compared to 2005.

“In the world, it is estimated that about two million people are killed in accidents or diseases at the workplace each year.

“DOSH statistics last year recorded 3,348 industrial accident cases that caused temporary disability with 114 cases causing permanent disability and 240 cases in death.

“The Government needs to work hard to ensure that our roads, transportation and work areas are safe for all,” Zahrim said.

Original source: http://www.thestar.com.my/metro/community/2017/05/13/data-helps-keep-workplaces-safer-collection-of-statistics-important-to-identify-risks-and-hazards-sa/