Employers and employees are being urged to remain vigilant to the changing weather conditions in Malaysia and to take preventive measures to reduce the risks of workplace accidents and illnesses.
Manivanan Gowin, Vice Chairman of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), highlighted the need for comprehensive preventive steps by employers to address weather-related risks, while employees should take proactive measures to protect themselves from accidents and illnesses that can occur during extreme heat or continuous rain.
“Previously, workers faced extreme heat waves that could cause heat stress. Now, they will face different challenges as the La Nina phenomenon begins to affect the country from this month (July),” he said today.
Manivanan mentioned that the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) recently reported that the La Nina phenomenon is expected to bring wetter conditions between July and September, typically peaking towards the end of the year and continuing into early next year.
“Based on past cases, some of the risks in open workplaces include heavy rain that can cause landslides and flooding. At the same time, dengue fever cases are often reported due to stagnant water, while flooded areas face the risk of diseases like cholera, leptospirosis, and diarrhoea,” he added.
To combat these risks, Manivanan recommended that employers and employees adopt the “HIRARC” approach (Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Risk Control), which is widely practised in various industries to avoid any unwanted incidents.
Widely implemented in key industries such as oil and gas and telecommunications, HIRARC is a systematic process used in occupational safety and health (OSH) management to ensure safety measures are taken to protect workers in various situations.
“During the rainy season, for instance, additional risks such as slips and falls can occur. Employers and employees need to identify and mitigate these risks, such as installing anti-slip floor layers, ensuring proper drainage, and providing specific OSH training to workers.
“The HIRARC process can help ensure workplace safety even in adverse weather conditions,” he stated.
He said that NIOSH offers consultation services and has the expertise to help employers identify and mitigate weather-related risks. The solutions offered will be tailored to each workplace to ensure safety and compliance with best practices for each weather condition.
“NIOSH is also ready to provide advice and consultation to employers to fulfil their responsibilities as stipulated under the Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) Act 2022, which came into force on June 1.
“One of the significant changes in the amended Act is the tenfold increase in penalties from RM50,000 to RM500,000 for employers who neglect worker safety. This demonstrates the serious attention the MADANI Government, under the administration of Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim through the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), gives to worker safety, health, and welfare issues,” he said.
Manivanan stated that NIOSH is committed to enhancing the country’s OSH standards and is ready to assist employers in improving workplace safety and health standards, particularly in facing global climate changes and the risks associated with extreme heat and continuous rain.
Sumber: Business Today
Govt Wants Employers Be Responsible To Adverse Weather Affecting Employees
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