Keeping the workplace safe
THE field of occupational safety and health (OSH) has become a topic of increasing importance among the Malaysian workforce.
The establishment of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 or Act 514 provides the legislative framework for the safety, health and welfare of employees.
The principle is to prevent and protect workers against hazards and risks in connection with their activities at work.
This has expanded to almost every workplace environment, from the office to the airplane, as well as the laboratory and the vivarium.
An extensive internship at the end of their studies and competency enrichment blended into the programme ensures that graduates are industry-ready for a career in OSH.
Safety first
Occupational health and safety is a discipline with a broad scope involving many specialised fields.
It encompasses:
> the promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental and social well-being of workers in all occupations;
> the prevention of adverse effects on health caused by working conditions;
> the protection of workers from risks resulting from factors adverse to health;
> the placing and maintenance of workers in an occupational environment adapted to physical and mental needs; and
> the adaptation of work to humans. Successful OSH practice requires the collaboration and participation of both employers and workers in health and safety programmes.
It involves the consideration of issues relating to occupational medicine, industrial hygiene, toxicology, education, engineering safety, ergonomics, psychology and more.
Management and Science University (MSU) complements the need for highly skilled human capital in this critical area with a three-year Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health programme.
Offered through the MSU Faculty of Health and Life Sciences (FHLS), the programme aims to produce graduates capable of maintaining safety and health in the 21st century workplace.
Among the subjects of study are anatomy and physiology in health and safety management, safety of machines and constructions, chemical risks to health, industrial hygiene and OSH legislation.
Graduates will find many work opportunities in the government sector, private agencies, service industries, manufacturing industries and insurance companies.
Industry job titles include safety and health officer, industrial hygienist and loss control officer.
With quality education a priority at MSU, creative teaching methods will further develop both the graduates’ vocational and life skills.
In addition, an extensive internship at the end of their studies and competency enrichment blended into the programme ensures that graduates are industry-ready for a career in OSH.
MSU also extensively engages industry experts to enhance faculty strength.
Their invaluable teaching adds to the various skills enhancement initiatives aimed at improving competitiveness in all MSU graduates.
■ For more on the Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health programme, visit FHLS at www.msu.edu.my or contact the Counselling and Communications Department at 03–5521 6868.