There are some things that we don’t think about until it happens. One of them is occupational accidents at the workplace. And that’s the very reason Maclean is taking this opportunity to share some important figures!
The latest report by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) in Malaysia shows that there were 6,951 occupational accidents from January to October 2023, across 13 states and 2 federal territories.1 In comparison, there were 6,023 cases in that same period for 20222, and 5,415 cases in the same period for 2021.3 The number of cases are indeed worrying, as they are clearly on an upward trend.
The highest on the list is Selangor, with 1,495 occupational accidents.1 Second on the list is Johor with 1,243 occupational accidents, while Perak is third, with 740 occupational accidents. Pulau Pinang is fourth, with 679 occupational accidents.
The report also revealed that majority accidents took place in the manufacturing sector with 4,181 accidents, while the agriculture, forestry and fishery sectors combined had 1,064 accidents.4
These aren't mere statistics. They represent lives and families impacted, and it’s a reminder of the constant need for proactive measures to prioritise workplace health and safety in various industries.
Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994
While headlines tend to focus on economic indicators and business trends, we at Maclean believes that a different metric deserves attention - the human cost of workplace accidents. The figures released by DOSH serve as a reminder for all stakeholders to take action.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 1994 establishes the legal framework and standards for maintaining a safe and healthy environment across diverse industries in Malaysia. From factories to offices, OSHA ensures that employers prioritise the well-being of their employees, through compliance and fostering a culture of safety awareness to prevent work-related accidents, injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.
The Importance of DOSH’s Role
DOSH is under the purview of the Ministry of Human Resources, and it’s responsible for ensuring the safety, health and welfare of employees, as well as protecting others from the safety and health hazards arising from activities in various sectors, ranging from construction to hotels and restaurants, mining and quarrying to manufacturing.
DOSH is also the regulatory body responsible for enforcing OSHA standards and compliance. Through a multi-faceted approach, DOSH sets and enforces safety standards, conducts inspections and training programmes, and educates employers and employees about the importance of workplace safety. The collaboration between DOSH, employers, and employees is pivotal for effective implementation and the prevention of occupational accidents. For further info on the key functions of DOSH, kindly refer to their website.
As DOSH emphasises, occupational safety measures isn't just about maintaining compliance. It's also about cultivating a culture of care and respect for human life, a value deeply ingrained in Maclean's philosophy. It's one of the foundations upon which we build successful and sustainable partnerships with our clients.
Choose Maclean for Safety-First Cleaning Services
Maclean has been a leading provider of comprehensive cleaning services in Malaysia for over 40 years. We are committed to providing exceptional service, while prioritising the safety and well-being of our employees and clients.
We go beyond compliance by actively implementing safety protocols, and providing training programmes to ensure that our employees are able to identify and address potential hazards. Our 2 Safety Officers, 4 Site Safety Supervisors, and 12 Safety Coordinators conduct regular safety audits and assessments to proactively identify areas for improvement and take immediate corrective actions in our business operations.
We’re in the midst of securing the ISO 45001 Safety Management System Certification, further demonstrating our commitment to workplace safety and health.
We also foster open communications, encouraging employees to report safety concerns without fear of reprisal. This commitment to transparency reinforces a collaborative approach to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.
To learn more about Maclean’s range of cleaning services or our commitment towards workplace health and safety, contact us at 019-292 1105 or enquire@maclean.com.my.
References:
1. International Policy and Research Development Division, Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia. (2024). Occupational Accident Statistics by State January - October 2023.
2. International Policy and Research Development Division, Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia. (2024). Occupational Accident Statistics by State January - October 2022.
3. International Policy and Research Development Division, Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia. (2024). Occupational Accident Statistics by State January - October 2021.
4. International Policy and Research Development Division, Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia. (2024). Occupational Accident Statistics by Sector January - October 2023.