by AUFA MARDHIAH

A TOTAL of 21,534 cases of occupational injuries were recorded last year throughout Malaysia, a decrease of 34% from 2020.

Of the total, 301 were fatal, a decrease of 4% from the previous year.

This was revealed by the Human Resources Ministry, through the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health and the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) yesterday.

Moreover, the 2021 occupational injury rate showed a significant decrease of 58% compared to 3.4 per 1,000 workers in 2011. Meanwhile, the 2021 occupational fatal injury rate decreased by 68% compared to 6.17 per 100,000 workers in 2011.

The three main indicators for determining the level of occupational safety and health (OSH) in Malaysia encompasses injury rate, fatal injury rate and total occupational disease reported as stated under the National Occupational Safety and Health Master Plan 2021-2025 (OSHMP25).

The occupational accident statistics are generated based on a comprehensive analysis of occupational accident data in the public and private sectors obtained from four relevant source agencies, namely DOSH, Social Security Organisation, the Occupational Accident Ex-Gratia Scheme data from the Royal Malaysian Police and the Finance Ministry; while occupational disease reporting data is based on cases reported to DOSH.

The reduction of the occupational injury rate in 2021 was due to continued effective enforcement and promotion by DOSH; DOSH’s punitive action on employers who fail to comply with OSH legal requirements; and the active role of relevant bodies, among others.

Based on the statistics, all key performance indicators set in OSHMP25 for 2021 were successfully achieved as a result of the synergistic efforts of all stakeholders including the government, employers, employees, OSH practitioners, associations and NGOs.

Human Resources Deputy Minister and chairman of the National Council for OSH Datuk Awang Hashim (centre) said the trend of continuous improvement is in line with the objectives of OSHMP25.

“I hope the initiative to invigorate the OSHMP25 can improve the level of OSH in the workplace, reduce the rate of injuries, fatal injuries and the risk of occupational diseases, as well as help the government’s efforts to improve the wellbeing of the people,” he said at the launch of OSH Week 2022 on Thursday.