KUCHING, Jan 15: Employers must ensure foreign workers have undergone Covid-19 tests and tested negative before they are allowed to work.
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) chairman Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong emphasised that the Institute viewed seriously the spread of Covid-19 in workplaces involving local and foreign workers.
“NIOSH urged all employers to refine their risk assessments and improve work procedures for high-risk industries such as for employees who are directly exposed to patients or visitors with symptoms.
“Employers must be responsible and concern about the safety, health and welfare of workers,” he said in a statement today.
He highlighted this in expressing concern over the sharp increase in Covid-19 cases across the country which has recorded 3,337 cases as of yesterday with fresh Movement Control Order (MCO), Conditional MCO and Recovery MCO announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin from Jan 13 to 26 to curb the spread of the disease.
Hence, Ugak reminded employers and workers to adhere to the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 1994 as well as other related employment laws.
“Employers must also ensure compliance with standard operating procedures (SOP) at workers’ living places and physical distancing at workplace.
“Strict self-discipline will help the government in its efforts to reduce the risk of Covid-19 in the workplace.
“We also continue to observe high-standard of personal hygiene by washing hands or using hand sanitisers,” he advised.
The National Security Council (NSC) and Ministry of Health (MOH), he continued, have made it compulsory for people to wear masks at the workplace and in crowded public places.
“NIOSH through the Dust Mask Laboratory has also conducted sample tests on all kinds of face masks especially to assist importers, manufacturers and suppliers.
“Mask-wearing is very important to cut the chain of infections especially in highly saturated places,” he said.
Ugak once again urged the people to come together in helping the government reduce the infection rates down to a single digit and overcome these difficult times. — DayakDaily
