NCOSH received 5,960 reports on health related cases at work last year

KOTA KINABALU: The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (NCOSH) received a total of 5,960 reports on cases of illness and poisoning in employment sectors in the country last year, said its chairman Datuk Seri Ismail Abd Muttalib.
Ismail, who is also Human Resources Deputy Minister, said this was an increase from 2014, where only 2,649 cases were reported.
"There has been a drastic increase in the number of cases reported since 2005, where there were only 319 cases, and this is because employers have been more willing to report cases to NCOSH.
"The increase also shows a lack of awareness among employers regarding safety aspects and there are various other factors including the negligence of employees," he said.
He was speaking to reporters after launching the national-level 2016 Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Week, here today.
Ismail said of the 5,960 cases reported last year, the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) had investigated 4,034 cases, with 3,377 involving noise pollution, lung disease (147 cases) and bone-muscle problems (91).
"The situation is very worrying and should be given due attention. The Ministry of Human Resources through DOSH, has begun a new initiative called 'Systematic Occupational Health Enhancement Level Programme' (Sohelp).
"Sohelp has been conducted in 220 workplaces throughout the country to help employers and employees prevent and reduce the risk of illness and poisoning," he said.
He said Sohelp was a robust and systematic industrial hygiene management programme to help reduce exposure to chemicals, noise levels and ergonomic risk factors. — Bernama