WITH 6,719 workplace accidents reported last year, greater emphasis was needed on workplace safety, particularly among small and medium industries, Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof said.

He said statistics from the Occupational Safety and Health Department (DOSH) showed there were 2.22 workers per 1,000 involved in occupational injuries and 2.06 workers per 100,000 involved in fatal occupational accidents.

“I call upon all relevant parties, including employers, employees and non-governmental organisations to unite in their efforts to ensure the workplace remains a secure, healthy and hazard-free environment,” he said at the closing ceremony of the Annual General Meeting and Conference Asia Pacific Occupational Safety & Health Organisation 2023 in Shah Alam today.

He said this included activities such as short courses to enhance public awareness about the importance of workplace safety and health.

“It is my fervent hope that together we can create workplace environments that are safe and healthy, where employees can work with confidence and in comfort.

“By raising awareness, bolstering protection and adopting best practices, I am confident we can prevent unwanted workplace accidents, injuries and occupational diseases,” he said.

Fadillah said the two-day conference, which began yesterday, saw the participation of eminent figures from both domestic and international backgrounds in the field of occupational safety and health with a focus in the Asia Pacific region.

“Conferences like this play an indispensable role in addressing contemporary OSH challenges and shaping the future of OSH, especially in the Asia Pacific region.

“On behalf of the Malaysian government, I assure you we are fully committed to providing unwavering support for any OSH initiative, whether from the public or the private sector,” he said. – Bernama, October 25, 2023.