Enforce guidelines on occupational safety, health — Cuepacs
KOTA KINABALU: Occupational Safety and Health Committees (JKKP) in government departments and agencies are urged to fulfil their duties in ensuring the welfare of employees.
Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) deputy president II Mohd Shaman Jaes said employers and heads of departments and agencies ought to fully obey JKKP guidelines instead of simply establishing it on paper.
“From what we (Cuepacs) observe, JKKP is formed and holds regular meetings but the reality is that the rate of occupational safety and health is still low.
“This shows that government agencies, be it at the state or federal level, do not fully enforce the role of JKKP.”
Mohd Shaman said this during a press conference after the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) and Cuepacs’ workshop on safety and health awareness in the public sector, yesterday.
He added that safety and health were not only physically inflicted, but also include emotional and psychological wellbeing.
“Safety and health also comprise aspects that cannot be seen. Auditing may be done to inspect physical elements such as the condition and facilities at the workplace, but other factors such as stress should be taken into account as well.
“These are the ‘silent killers’ that could eventually cause illnesses and long-term effects.
“When an employee is stressed, the negative energy from work can affect their relationships and of course, their performance,” he said.
The deputy director also said although many departments and agencies had already set up a Committee, statistics of workplace injuries maintain at a startling rate.
“How many officers are involved in technical and fieldwork and are exposed to heat, radiation, fumes and smoke?
“They may not develop side effects now but probably will in the next few years. What is being done in government sectors to address this?
“This has to be looked into with more detail. I urge JKKP to put more emphasis into establishing a modus operandi or approach as to how government sectors can enforce existing guidelines, instead of waiting for something to happen before taking action.”
As far as complaints go, Mohd Shaman said Cuepacs was not alerted through proper channels, which is via JKKP in respective departments and agencies.
He said Cuepacs usually receives individual complaints or comes to know of workplace accidents through newspaper reports.
JKKP should play a more active role in identifying these issues before channelling complaints to Cuepacs, he said.
A total of 27 government agencies in Sabah received a grade C when audited for occupational safety and health last year, while only eight received a grade B.
State JKKP director Mohd Zahari Hitam said on average, government departments and agencies in Sabah only managed to obtain a grade C.
However, circulars have been distributed to remind all sectors to comply with existing guidelines.