Monday, 15 May 2023 – The Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA) held a ceremony to launch the Safety Month and to commemorate the World Day for Safety and Health at Work (WDSHW), that takes place annually on 28 April.

This year's theme, "A Safe and Healthy Working Environment as a Fundamental Principle and Right at Work" underscores the importance of holistic worker well-being, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional aspects. This theme reflects the resolution that was adopted during the 110^th International Labour Conference last year where all member states of the International Labour Orgnaization (ILO) must respect and promote the fundamental right that all workers are entitled to a safe, healthy, and hazard-free work environment.

Present as the guest of honour was Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (R) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Defence II, who is also the Minister in Charge of SHENA. Also present at this event were Yang Mulia Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Sufian bin Haji Sabtu, Deputy Minister (Security and Law) at the Prime Minister's Office and Chairman of the SHENA Board of Directors; Yang Mulia Dato Seri Paduka Awang Mohd Riza bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yunos, Deputy Minister (Civil Service Governance) at the Prime Minister’s Office; Permanent Secretaries and Acting Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office; the SHENA Board of Directors; Yang Mulia Datin Zubaidah binti Haji Mahmud, SHENA Interim Chief Executive Officer; SHENA Senior Management Team; representatives from government agencies and industries.

In his opening speech, Yang Berhormat Pehin highlighted the need to reflect on the Nation’s performance and addressing challenges to reduce incidents surrounding workplace injuries and fatalities. He stated that improving workplace safety and health in Brunei Darussalam is a mandate under Goal 2 of Wawasan Brunei 2035. He called on policy makers, employers and workers collaboration to establish effective safe systems at the workplace and cultivate a preventive culture. Yang Berhormat Pehin then concluded that a safe and healthy working environment will in turn support a dynamic economy for the country.

At the event, SHENA unveiled its redesigned website. This was launched and officiated by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (R) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, in conjunction with the WDSHW. In an effort towards facilitating seamless communication between SHENA and its stakeholders, the website has added a Live Chat feature with users. Other key features include the Statistics Dashboard offering real-time data and Event Management System which will manage engagements with stakeholders. The website will provide SHENA with ease in doing its business, with on-line registration, licensing and even procurement. It will also be SHENA’s important portal of communication between SHENA and local stakeholders and international counterparts.

The event concluded with a video previewing the series of events scheduled for the Safety Month including the SHENA Roadshows which will be held in all four districts of Brunei Darussalam. A Short Video Contest is currently opened until the 18th of May 2023.