The Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA),a newly established national regulator for workplace safety and health, environmental and radiation matters, organized a Brunei Industry Group (BIG) Forum on 25th June 2019 at the Main Theatre Hall, Prime Minister's Office Building. The Forum is part of SHENA's ongoing engagements with stakeholders in pursuit of its mission to make Brunei Darussalam a safe place to work and live in. The BIG Forum has been set up to provide an interactive platform where SHENA is able to interface with relevant government and other stakeholders. Present as the Guest of Honour was Yang Mulia Awang Haji Azhar Bin Haji Yahya, Permanent Secretary (Energy) at the Ministry of Energy, Manpower and Industry.

In his opening remarks, Yang Mulia Awang Haji Azhar Bin Haji Yahya, Permanent Secretary (Energy) at the Ministry of Energy, Manpower and Industry, in his capacity as Authority for SHENA matters, highlighted that the Government of Brunei Darussalam aspires to strengthen workplace safety and health in workplaces across the nation.  He added that Brunei Darussalam is now in the midst of forming a robust regulatory body,  in the form of SHENA, who is mandated to execute the laws and regulations related to workplace safety and radiation protection in all sectors of industry and non-industry including businesses, schools and entertainment outlets.

SHENA supports the realization of the Goals under Wawasan Brunei 2035. This was further reiterated during the Forum by the introduction of four themes. The themes cover:

• Asset integrity;

• Work at height activities;

• Lifting operations; and

• Schools and buildings.

This Forum was held on 25 June 2019 at the Prime Minister's Office Building with the objective of promoting and strengthening workplace safety and health in the nation. The BIG involved Government representatives, members from statutory bodies, educational institutions, industry players and other interested parties. 

During the Forum, SHENA shared information on best practices, legislative changes and highlighted areas of concern from recent incidents that have impacted the industry. Among the areas covered were information on SHENA as an organization, an introduction to "The Guidelines for Safe Use of Scaffolding", crane operations, workplace safety and health legal positions and training as well as legislative updates. SHENA also touched upon the Radiation Protection Order, 2018 and the need for activity owners to comply with its legislative requirements.

The Forum also gave stakeholders an opportunity to raise clarifications and identifying specific alignments for various initiatives that are forthcoming. This Forum was seen to have a positive impact and will continue as means for future stakeholder engagements. SHENA seeks the support of all relevant stakeholders to create a safe place to work and live.

Details of the forum and presentations will be accessible on the SHENA website at www.shena.gov.bn. Any inquiries or further clarification about SHENA, please visit SHENA website or contact +673 2382000 or email at info@shena.gov.bn.