Kota Kinabalu: The average number of industrial accidents saw a decline from 10 per 1,000 workers in 1997 to 3.31 cases in 2012, showing a positive flow towards the 1 to 2 accidents per 1,000 workers benchmark of developed countries.National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh) chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said occupational safety and health seminars have also seen growth in terms of participation, which is a sign of growing awareness on the issue.
"The increase in number of participants illustrated the significance of OSH (occupational safety and health) in this region and the growing recognition that safer and healthier workplaces could translate into increased productivity and makes good business sense," said Lee.
He was speaking to participants of the 3rd Borneo Conference and Exhibition on Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) at The Magellan Sutera Resort, here, Monday.
Held once every two years, BOSH aims to educate employers on the significance of OSH and how to implement effective safety procedures to reduce work accidents.
"In the global economy, OSH issues are among the key determinants to a company's competitiveness through productivity enhancement and efficiency," said Lee.
Monday's BOSH was titled 'Optimising Productivity Through Accident Prevention'.
"Needless to say that the most valuable asset of an organisation is the people who work within it and who contribute to its success," he added.
"As Malaysia moves towards industrialised nation status, we must continue to strategise new approaches to meet the challenges of OSH."
For this to happen, Lee added, employers must start seeing OSH as an asset and not a liability.
"While the government can put the necessary legislative framework in place, employers and employees themselves must play their part to ensure their organisations accord the highest priority and commitment to building a safety culture at all levels.
"Only by working together will we achieve the high safety and health standards we aspire," said Lee.
