KUCHING, March 15: Industries, companies and firms are urged to join the Conference and Exhibition on Occupational Safety and Health Conference (COSH 2022) to discuss further the amended laws which will introduce heavier penalties on employers in the near future.
With the passing of the Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) Bill 2020 in Parliament last year, employers who fail to ensure the occupational safety and health (OSH) of their workers will face stiffer fines and prison sentences.
However, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) chairman Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong pointed out that the stiffer penalties should be seen as a deterrent, instead of punishment for employers.
“The Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) Bill 2020, which was passed in Parliament last year, is a new milestone in the field of occupational safety and health in Malaysia.
“The amendment took cognisance of the provisions under the International Labour Convention (C 155) adopted by the International Labour Organisation 1981, in Geneva, Switzerland,” he said at the pre-launching of the Conference and Exhibition on Occupational Safety and Health Conference (COSH 2022) held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) today, according to a press statement.
With the COSH 2022 scheduled to take place on Aug 29 to 30 at KLCC, Ugak was certain that there will be a detailed discussion on the amended instruments at the Conference.
“Any doubts pertaining to the provisions can be verified by the experts concerned,” he added.
Ugak noted that many firms would have to rethink how to get their industrial performance on the road to recovery after a harrowing two years under the Covid-19 pandemic.
He however noted that several new factors have to be weighed upon carefully so as to not derail all efforts especially those concerning occupational safety and health.
“The companies have to reassess the market demand, number of employees available with necessary skills, restructure their costing as well as other production determinants to begin their operation successfully.
“In this context, the theme of this year’s Conference (‘Resilience Towards New Challenges’) is very appropriate and will assist (companies) in making the right decisions to a certain extent. Here (the conference) is an opportunity for the decision makers to share their views that can be of help to others,” he said.
He added that the theme conveys the message that all stakeholders should be prepared to face new challenges in order to survive the new world order on OSH.
Ugak also urged stakeholders to diligently explore the numerous incentives offered under the 2022 Budget and 12th Malaysia Plan to ensure effective contributions to the nation’s recovery process.
“I want to take this opportunity to invite industries and individuals to come forward and participate in the Conference.” — DayakDaily
