Johor: While working as an able-bodied seaman for a shipping company, Mohd Zahruddin Ruskam's daily routine involved heavy manual lifting and repetitive physical movements. In 1988, he was diagnosed with a slipped disc and underwent surgery. By 1990, he transitioned to a career in occupational safety and health, but the physical demands continued to affect his health, leading to multiple surgeries over the years. Now 62, Mohd Zahruddin, working as a group safety director in Johor, shares how the occupational hazards significantly limited his activities and imposed a financial burden due to treatment costs.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Zahruddin applied for assistance from the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) last year. After assessment, he was certified with a seven percent permanent disability. Although ineligible for the Invalidity Pension Scheme due to his age, he received benefits under the Employment Injury Scheme, which included rehabilitation treatments and financial assistance. This support has been crucial for his recovery, allowing him to continue working and participating in daily activities.
Commenting on workplace accidents, Malaysian Society for Occupational Safety and Health (MSOSH) president Datuk Wira Ahmad Fakhrul Anuar Ismail highlighted that most accidents arise from employers' negligence in recognising the importance of occupational safety and health (OSH). Failures in conducting risk assessments, cutting safety costs, and ignoring workers' complaints contribute significantly to workplace accidents. Human-related factors, management failures, and organisational pressures further exacerbate the issue.
Ahmad Fakhrul Anuar emphasises the necessity of viewing OSH as a strategic investment rather than a cost. He advocates for integrating OSH from the early stages of operational planning and allocating adequate financial resources for its implementation. This approach ensures compliance with laws and fosters a safe work culture, reducing disruptions and enhancing company reputation.
The amended Occupational Safety and Health Act 2022, effective June 1, 2024, increases the maximum fine for violations to RM500,000. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim stated that the amendment aligns with the government's commitment to providing a safe and conducive work environment. However, Ahmad Fakhrul Anuar stresses the importance of self-regulation and mandatory training to ensure employers understand OSH requirements.
Meanwhile, PERKESO statistics reveal 21,042 cases of industrial accidents and 21,487 commuting accidents between January and June this year. The Employment Injury Scheme offers comprehensive protection, with 10,142 contributors receiving medical benefits and 44,863 receiving Temporary Disablement Benefit payments during this period.
PERKESO also provides the Disability Management Programme to help contributors with disabilities return to work. Since 2007, the programme has assisted 95,631 contributors, with early intervention and continuous monitoring playing key roles in recovery. The Employment Injury Treatment Programme offers free medical treatment to injured contributors, ensuring prompt and effective care.
PERKESO's Dependents' Benefit and Funeral Benefit provide financial assistance to dependents of deceased contributors. The organisation emphasises the importance of employers reporting workplace accidents promptly, with penalties for non-compliance.
PERKESO continues to raise OSH awareness through advocacy programmes, safety training, and workplace inspections. By leveraging technology and data analysis, the organisation aims to design precise interventions for high-risk employers, contributing to a safer work environment for all.