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HOW DOES THE ACT AFFECT ME ?

All employers with more than 5 employees are required by the legislation to formulate a written Safety and Health Policy.

The object of the Safety and Health Policy is to demonstrates the company's commitment and concern to ensure safety and health at place of work. When making decision or performing work activities of the organization, issues on safety and health stated in the policy must be taken into account.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 specifies the general duties of employers, self-employed persons, manufacturers, designers, suppliers and employees.

Among the provisions of the Act is the establishment of the safety and health committee, the appointment of a safety and health officer and the enforcement, investigation and offenses.

WHAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE WRITTEN SAFETY AND HEALTH POLICY ?

The following describes the essential ingredients for the written Safety and Health Policy as required by law.

The written policy is divided into 3 main parts, namely :

• General Policy Statement
• Organization
• Arrangements

The General Policy Statement concerns with the overall intent of the employer to look after the safety and health of the workforce. This statement can be simple and brief. Essentially it should :

• point out that the management accept responsibility for safety and health of the employees and others who may be affected by the work activities
• a summary of the policy's goals
• emphasize the importance of safety and health to overall business performance
• include a reference to other parts of the policy document which go into more details and
• be dated and signed by the person at the top management in the organization such as the Chairman or Managing Director.

The second part of the policy on Organization should describe the safety and health responsibilities. This is primarily about the role of each person. Among others it should include :

• the list of safety and health responsibilities of all levels of management
• the role of employees in the implementation of the policy. It is the duty of each employee not to endanger himself or others by his actions or omissions, and to cooperate in all measures provided for his safety and health.
• the structure and role of safety and health committees and other in-house safety and health organization, if any.

The Arrangements or final part of the written policy concerns with practical systems and procedures. It deals mainly with potential hazards and measures to be taken to solve the problem. Essentially it should specify detailed arrangements for ensuring that the policy is being implemented including :

• the arrangement for training and instructions
• information about hazards that may be in certain processes, the control measures and the ways in which employees should cooperate for their own safety and health
• explain the company's safe system of work including procedures and rules
• scheme for the issuance, use and maintenance of personal protective equipment (P.P.E.)
• the procedure for investigation and reporting of accidents and
• emergency measures such as first aid and fire arrangements.

It is important that contents of the policy be made known to employees during induction course and job training.

The policy statement should be displayed at strategic locations in the workplace.