Malaysia is one of Asia's biggest employers of foreign labour. But recently, cases of deaths, abuse and forced labour have come to light. What is going on? Who is protecting these migrant workers?
He said the country recorded 6.7 accidents per 1,000 workers in 2005 while
the average in developed nations stood at only three to four accidents per 1,000 workers.
<p>"The fact is that industrial accidents are on a downward trend but we
need to improve, especially in the construction and manufacturing sectors. It
is important that we continue and redouble our efforts to reduce accidents at
the workplace.</p>
<p>"One of the ways we are going to achieve the desired result is by educating
all parties concerned, be they employers or employees in the public or private
sector. We have to increase their awareness to this cause," he told Bernama.</p>
<p>He said there was also a need to intensify enforcement of the law pertaining
to occupational safety and health and to take stern action against errant employers
who flout the law.</p>
<p>"There is also a need for the leadership in every organisation, be it
public or private, to impress upon their workforce that high occupational safety
and health standards must be maintained at all times. This takes the total commitment
of the head of that particular organisation, be it the managing director, chief
executive officer or even the director-general himself, if it’s a government
agency," he said.</p>
<p>He said the country had some eight million workers and every worker must adapt
occupational safety and health rules to all their activities at work.</p>
<p>On its part, Niosh would be organising a three-day Ninth Conference and Exhibition
on Occupational Safety and Health at the Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre starting
Sept 12.</p>
<p>"The conference will bring together regulators, practitioners, experts,
researchers and suppliers towards a common aspiration to achieve a safer and
healthier workplace for all," said Lee.</p>
<p>Participants will charged RM600 if they register before June 15 while the fee
for normal registration is RM650 for Niosh members, RM700 for non-members, registration,
RM500 for students and speakers and US$400 for foreign participants, including
accommodation.</p>
<p>Interested parties can register online at www.niosh.com.my/cosh2006. — BERNAMA
Address: Wisma MTUC,10-5, Jalan USJ 9/5T, 47620 Subang Jaya,Selangor | Tel: 03-80242953 | Fax: 03-80243225 | Email: sgmtuc@gmail.com.com