Tuesday, 30 April 2024 – The Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA) marked the annual World Day for Safety and Health at Work with the launch of the inaugural Workplace Safety and Health Conference (WSHCON) 2024 at the International Convention Centre, Berakas.

The theme for this year’s World Day for Safety and Health at Work is ‘The impacts of climate change on occupational safety and health’ focussing on the climate change that has an impact on the workplace, in particular, the safety and well-being of workers. This conference serves as an important platform bringing together the experts and constituents from the Government and industry representatives as well as health experts to share their experience and knowledge as well as discuss contemporary issues related to improvements in the culture of occupational safety and health, such as working at height and compliance to existing applicable legislation, as well as raising awareness on the impacts and risks of the climate change towards the health and safety at work.

The WSHCON 2024 boasts a noteworthy lineup of international speakers from various organisations involved in advancing workplace safety and health standards including representatives from the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Ministry of Manpower, Singapore, the Workplace Safety and Health Council (WSH Council) Singapore, the Malaysian Industrial Hygiene Association (MIHA), and the Social Security Organization (PERKESO), Malaysia. These experts will share the relevant strategies and their own insights, enhancing dialogue on combating occupational hazards related to climate change as well as building cultures of compliance, workplace solidarity and hazard prevention.

The event was attended by 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 also serves as the Minister in Charge of SHENA as the Guest of Honour.

In his keynote address to officially launch the WSHCON 2024, Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (R) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof emphasised the critical impact of climate change on occupational safety and health as a global and domestic issue that affects a wide range of occupations. The Minister underscored the urgent need for innovative and comprehensive safety strategies to mitigate the occupational hazards of climate change and stressed that the integration of national policy, environmental sustainability, and workplace safety is essential to building a resilient and equitable future.

Meanwhile, the welcoming remarks were also delivered by Yang Mulia Haji Mohd Yusof bin Haji Mohd Taufik, Acting Interim Chief Executive Officer of SHENA. Other distinguished guests during the Opening Ceremony included members of the SHENA Board of Directors, Managing Directors and CEOs of local enterprises, representatives from foreign missions, as well as other key players in the health, safety, and environment.

The WSHCON 2024 features 8-panel sessions covering a range of occupational safety and health topics such as impacts and strategies for workplace safety and health, managing occupational health risks, preventing burnout, promoting well-being, and mitigating risks in working at height. The two-day conference will be participated by over 20 panelist speakers from various industry sectors, and 20 booth exhibitions and is expected to draw in more than 400 local participants.