4 June 2021 – Every 28th April, the world celebrates Safety and Health at Work. It is the day to highlight the hard work of Occupational Health and Safety committees and their contribution to promote the prevention of occupation related accidents and diseases globally.
Embracing the World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2021, Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) in collaboration with Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA) and The Ministry of Health (MOH) conducted a talk on Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) yesterday. The invited speakers from Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA) and The Ministry of Health were Mr Jaime Rebelo, Chief Inspector, Industry and Non-Industry Sector, Haji Noryasmin bin Haji Mohd Noor, Senior Inspector (Industry) of SHENA and Dr Kyaw Naing Win, Occupational Health Physician, Occupational Health Division, Ministry of Health.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, governments, employers, workers and the general population faced unprecedented challenges in relation to the virus and the many effects it has had on the world of work.
Dr. Meera Sahib Kabeer, Medical Director of JPMC in his capacity as Chairman of Occupational Health and Safety Committee said, “The health is defined as state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, which helps to deal successfully with the demands of their work environment, and it is the responsibility of OHS to provide it. We are fortunate to contain this virus in Brunei, thanks to the timely action of our Minister of Health, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Md Isham Bin Hj Jaafar, Minister of Health, and his wonderful team under the command of His Majesty, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam.”
The Guest of Honor, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Md Isham Bin Hj Jaafar, Minister of Health in his capacity as the Chairman and Executive Director of JPMC said in his welcoming speech, “The theme of this year acknowledges the impact that the global COVID-19 pandemic has had on our working lives and the importance of building an effective, resilient, and adaptable OHS framework. He added, “The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light, now more than ever, the need for OHS services. OHS has played a key role in helping our employers and employees with risk reduction and assessment.”
According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), 2011, every day, 6,300 people died as a result of occupational accidents or work-related diseases, more than 2.3 million deaths per year and 317 million accidents occur on the job annually.
Mr Jaime Rebelo mentioned that “As employers build and improve workplace culture and resilience, they also seek ways to address workplace stress and mental health. When addressed, employers build a resilient workforce, employees handle work stress better, and develop protective factors against stress.”
Safety and health measures at work can play a crucial role in responding to any crises, protecting workers and society at large, in line with this year’s theme “Anticipate, prepare and respond to crises: Invest now in resilient OHS system.”