KUALA LUMPUR: Proposed amendments to the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 1994 should include a provision to provide a supportive environment to foster mental well being at all workplaces, said Malaysian Psychological Association (MPA) patron Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye today.
"The government and employers must be aware that the neglect of mental health and psychosocial factors at the workplace is not only detrimental to the individual worker but also directly affects productivity, efficiency and the output of any organisation," he said.
He said accidents at workplaces were not only caused by poor work safety practices but also due to mental health issues.
Under OSHA 1994, he said the focus was very much on safety and physical health although section 4 (C) of the Act states that it aims to promote an occupational environment which met the physiological and psychological needs of workers.
He said specific provision must be included through amendments to OSHA 1994 to address mental health issues, including providing support for individual employees with mental health issues.
Lee also proposed that all Safety and Health Committees under OSHA include activities related to mental health.
At present, he said functions carried out by the Safety and Health Committee have nothing to do with mental health.
"Mental health issues at the workplace are caused by a combination of factors such as personal work , work environment and organisational factors.
"I have consistently raised about mental and psychosocial issues which are affecting those at homes, schools and workplaces. In general, the problems are also affecting the well-being of the community," he said in a statement issued today.
He said It was reported that mental health disorders are on the rise in every country in the world and could cost the global economy up to USD16 trillion between 2010 and 2030 if it was not addressed.
The Lancet Commission report by 28 global specialists in psychiatry, public health and neuroscience, as well as mental health patients and advocacy groups, said the growing crisis could cause lasting harm to people, communities and economies worldwide.
"No workplace is immune to mental disorders and their impact on psychological, social and economic terms is high," he said.
He said mental health at workplaces should no longer be ignored as it could cost employers and the country billions of Ringgit if not properly addressed.
