PUTRAJAYA: An Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Masterplan has been launched, spelling out seven initiatives that will ensure a safe and healthy workplace for the country’s workforce.

       Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the five-year plan was one of the measures to help boost the Malaysian Wellbeing Index.

       Among the initiatives are strengthening OSH in the public sector; strengthening self-regulation practices at workplaces; encouraging OSH education and research works and boosting occupational health.

       “With the plan in place, the aim is to enhance safety and health at workplaces by reducing accidents, deaths and infections.

       “These initiatives will support the government’s efforts to boost the people’s wellbeing,” Ismail Sabri said at the virtual launch of the OSH Masterplan (2021-2025) on Wednesday (Oct 13).

       Other initiatives in the plan are ensuring better OSH compliance among the small and medium industries sector; strengthening OSH via technology and improving work-related road safety and compliance with OSH in the informal sector and for future jobs.

       The Prime Minister said the Covid-19 pandemic had not only threatened public health but also deeply impacted the economy and aspects of society.

       “The pandemic has affected all aspects of employment and occupation.

       "The spread of infections at workplaces is among safety and health risks that demand the government, employers and workers to take preventive action,” he said.

       Ismail Sabri also said the global environment was expected to be more competitive post-pandemic, which requires the workforce to adapt to new working conditions such as working from home and increased online activities.