KUCHING: The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh) called for the need of employers to refine risk assessment and improve work procedures for high-risk industries such as for workers who are directly exposed to Covid-19 patients or symptomatic visitors.
Chairman of Niosh, Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong stated the institute takes seriously on the spread of Covid-19 involving local and foreign workers at workplaces.
He also reminded employers and workers to follow the Occupational Safety and Health Act (AKPP) 1994 as well as all employment-related laws.
Following strict measures and guidelines will help the government in its efforts to reduce the risk of Covid-19 infection in the workplace, said Wilson.
He also stated employers need to be responsible and concerned about the safety, health and welfare of employees.
They need to ensure that both local foreign workers undergo swab test screening first and only those who are negative are allowed to work.
Employee’s accommodation facilities, physical distancing in the workplace and SOP compliance must be constantly monitored and complied with, he stated in the statement.
Both employers and employees should always practice a high level of personal hygiene such as frequent handwashing with soap and water or hand sanitiser.
The National Security Council (MKN) and the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MoH) has made it mandatory to wear face masks at every work premises and in public places that are the focus of many people.
The use of face masks is very important to break the chain of transmission of this epidemic, especially involving areas with high-density people, said Wilson.
Niosh calls on all people to work together through these difficult moments collectively and help the government to reduce the infection rate to zero.
