Lee gets special award for occupational safety work

PETALING JAYA: Social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye (pic), who is known for championing occupational safety, has been honoured with a special award.

He was presented with the award by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh) in conjunction with the institute’s silver jubilee celebration last Friday.

“I am deeply touched by this recognition by the board of directors and management of Niosh.

“Occupational safety is a subject close to my heart and I hope I have assisted in spreading the awareness on the matter for the last 25 years,” he said.

Human Resources Minister M. Kula Segaran presented the award to Lee, who is Niosh chairman, for 25 years of service and championing occupational safety during the ceremony.

Lee said Niosh had four main objectives – safety training, consul- tancy services, research and development, and information dissemination.

“I believe awareness on importance of occupational safety and health should start from young.

“The institute has conducted various programmes and activities on occupational safety in schools as part of our corporate social responsibility initiatives,” he said, adding that programmes were conducted in some 50 schools so far.

Lee said starting the awareness in schools was part of the institute’s long-term goal to make it a culture.

“We are continuing to work with the Education Ministry in organising such awareness programmes.

“School is not only a place of educating and learning. It is also a work place,” he said.

Lee also hoped to contribute further to the growth of Niosh.

“This award will spur me to do more to make OSH a culture,” he said.