Need to comply with amended Osha Act 2022, health dept employers, supervisors reminded

BINTULU (July 16): All employers and supervisors under the Sarawak Health Department (JKNS) must comply with the Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) Act (Osha) 2022, said JKNS director Dr Veronica Lugah.

She said the amendment has led to several important changes such as an increase to the maximum fine for offences from RM50,000 to RM500,000.

“This is an addition of power to enforcement officers to confiscate unsafe equipment or machines, apart from the need to appoint qualified occupational safety and health coordinators for companies with five or more employees,” she said.

Dr Veronica said this when officiating the state-level World Occupational Safety and Health Day 2024 at the Bintulu Development Authority auditorium yesterday.

She emphasised that enhancing the scope of health practitioner services and protection is paramount to elevate occupational health clinic services in Sarawak to match those in the peninsula.

“I thus urge all employers and supervisors at JKNS health facilities to diligently comply with this amendment for the safety and health of our members,” she said, stressing that worker safety and health is a joint collaboration of employers and workers across related sectors.

Dr Veronica also spoke on the need for employers to conduct regular risk assessments and implement occupational health and safety programmes tailored to the outcomes of such assessments.