Using chemicals with care

There is an urgent need to address the use of chemicals in the workplace, said National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

Speaking at the launch of World OSH Day organised by NIOSH recently, he said preventive and control measures for the use of chemicals must be strengthened.

The theme for this year was “Safety and health in the use of chemicals”.

“Although chemicals are key to modern life and will continue to be produced and used in the workplace, it is also necessary to address controlling exposure to these chemicals at work as well as limiting emissions to the environment,” said Lee

He also called for greater efforts to promote the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases at the workplace.

World OSH Day is celebrated on April 28 each year to honour victims of occupational accidents and diseases.

Malaysia regards World OSH Day as an integral part of the national strategy on promoting a preventative safety and health culture involving all stakeholders.

Although significant progress has been made in1 the regulation and management of chemicals in the field, more needs to be done.

“Serious incidents continue to happen and there are still negative impacts on both human health and the environment.

“Workers who are directly exposed to hazardous substances should have the right to work in a safe and healthy environment and be properly informed, trained and protected,” aid Lee.