KUALA LUMPUR: A work culture which emphasises on safety can prevent disasters.
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the inculcation of such a culture would go a long way in creating a safe work environment.
Lee was responding to Human Resources Minister M Kulasegaran’s statement recently on the cause of accidents at work which was due to workers’ apathy towards safety measures.
“We need to make safety a part of our culture and an especially important part of the workplace.
“The more we give safety a constant focus, continuously reminding our workers every time they want to start working, it will eventually stick. That is how we turn it into a way of life at work,” he said.
Lee also urged workers to not take shortcuts and to strictly follow procedures when embarking on dangerous vocations.
“Taking the time to follow procedures and not take shortcuts will benefit their safety and also the company. It's not worth it to take risks and put your life and future in danger,” he said.
He was speaking to NSTP when attending the CSR Malaysia Awards 2019 held at Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur today.
At the event, Lee was also awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award which was presented by Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Hannah Yeoh.
The minister also awarded 50 Malaysian companies for their achievements in CSR at the event.
Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) president Datuk Azih Muda who was also present, said the head of departments and workers must play their respective roles in ensuring safety.
“There are two groups in the workforce that need to be aware of the issue.
“One is the head of departments. They should ensure that regular safety reminders and exercises to be (constantly) conducted at work.
“The second group is the workers themselves. They have the power and responsibility for their own safety. When they carry out dangerous jobs that involve heavy machinery or toxic material, they must follow every safety procedure,” he said.
Malaysian Employers Federation executive director Datuk Shamsuddin Bardan said business-wise, safety measures would lead to cost-effectiveness.
“For businesses, taking workplace safety as an important factor will only make business sense. It will save cost and save lives.
“For workers, when they follow proper safety procedures, they can work better and contribute more. Do not take workplace safety lightly,” he said.
