Press Release Issued by Lee Lam Thye
Chairman of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye today called on employers to accord serious attention to the promotion of mental health at the workplace in order to enhance productivity of their workforce.
Mental health issues at the workplace should be given due attention as the productivity of the staff of any organization depends on their mental health.
Employers should look into the issue because the neglect of mental health and psychosocial factors at the workplace is not only detrimental to the individual worker but also directly affects productivity, efficiency and output of any enterprise.
Employee performance, frequent illness, absenteeism, accidents and staff turnover are all affected by employees’ mental health status.
Issues related to mental health at the workplace can also have a direct impact on all stakeholders of the workplace including the employers, customers and the community in which the enterprise is located.
No workplace is immune to mental disorders and their impact in psychological, social and economics terms is high. Mental health should no longer be ignored, on the contrary it should be given adequate attention in relation to other business in any organization.
The impact that mental health problems impose on the executives, workers, their families, workplaces and enterprises as well as society as a whole is immense and needs to be addressed.
It is important to ensure the happiness and well-being of workers and their families through initiatives to promote the good mental health in workplaces.
People with mental disorders should be provided with insurance coverage.
Insurance coverage for mental disorder is provided in the developed nations.
Mental disorder is an unfortunate illness that affects the person not by choice.
It is not an illness arising from a weakness of character but by a mixture of factors involving genetics, biology and neurochemistry – and an interplay with psychosocial factors.
It is not difficult to identify the major mental disorders. Any competent doctor can recognize them although a specialist may often be asked to confirm them.
If insurance companies can insure medical illnesses such as hypertension, migraine, arthritis, and diabetes mellitus, which can be called lifestyle diseases, I feel the more severe mental disorders should be equally covered.
It is pitiful to find an employee who suffers from a nervous breakdown, having to pay his own medical expenses when told by his employer that the insurance plan does not cover illnesses classified as nervous or mental in nature.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Friday, July 4, 2008
Cost-cutting measures at the expenses of OSH should not be introduced
As a national institute established to promote occupational safety and health for industries, NIOSH advises employers at all workplaces not to introduce or implement cost-cutting measures at the expense of the safety and health of their employees.
While we realize that employers have taken various measures to cut costs for their operations arising from the steep hike in fuel prices, we would advise that this should not be done at the expense of the safety and health of their employees.
Companies must not stinge or cut costs when it comes to maintaining safe plant and machinery, provision of a personal protective equipment or even investment in occupational safety and health in general.
This is because if accidents occur, lives may be lost and productivity will be affected.
And when accidents occur at the worksite, the employers will have to endure greater losses in terms of work stoppage, medical payment, compensation etc.
As workers must be assured of their rights to a safe and healthy work environment, there is a need to provide them with information, education and training so that they know best how to protect themselves.
Through the implementation of safe work procedures as well as the usage of personal protective equipment, the workers will be able to prevent accidents.
Accidents don’t just happen as they are caused and as such they can be prevented.
Making the workplace safe is a joint responsibility of both the employers and the workers. Safety should be a key issue at every workplace.
Safety training for employees is the key to achieving a successful safety programme and management must be committed to invest in safety at all times.
An accident-free environment helps the company to save and increase the organisation’s productivity and profitability. It will also help to boost the morale of the workforce.
While we realize that employers have taken various measures to cut costs for their operations arising from the steep hike in fuel prices, we would advise that this should not be done at the expense of the safety and health of their employees.
Companies must not stinge or cut costs when it comes to maintaining safe plant and machinery, provision of a personal protective equipment or even investment in occupational safety and health in general.
This is because if accidents occur, lives may be lost and productivity will be affected.
And when accidents occur at the worksite, the employers will have to endure greater losses in terms of work stoppage, medical payment, compensation etc.
As workers must be assured of their rights to a safe and healthy work environment, there is a need to provide them with information, education and training so that they know best how to protect themselves.
Through the implementation of safe work procedures as well as the usage of personal protective equipment, the workers will be able to prevent accidents.
Accidents don’t just happen as they are caused and as such they can be prevented.
Making the workplace safe is a joint responsibility of both the employers and the workers. Safety should be a key issue at every workplace.
Safety training for employees is the key to achieving a successful safety programme and management must be committed to invest in safety at all times.
An accident-free environment helps the company to save and increase the organisation’s productivity and profitability. It will also help to boost the morale of the workforce.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Ensuring OSH Through Drug-Free Workplaces
PAPER PRESENTATION BY LEE LAM THYE
AT APOSHO 24 CONFERENCE held at
COEX Convention Centre, Seoul, Korea
ENSURING OSH THROUGH DRUG-FREE WORKPLACES
The escalating abuse of drug and other psychoactive substances has become a major global concern necessitating a comprehensive response and a collaborative and participatory partnership approach from all segments of society.
Business and community collaboration is at the heart of such a participatory and partnership approach. The individual workplace mirrors these problems as a result of the deteriorating health of workers, absenteeism, work accidents and other increased safety risks.
Today the economic and human costs of substance abuse in the workplace is costing businesses billions of dollars annually in lost productivity and health care costs. Drug addiction is no longer a rich nation’s problem or a poor man’s affliction.
It transcends national, ethnic, religious, class and gender lines. Addicts range from the rich to the poor, the homeless to blue and white-collar workers, students, rural farmers, urban employees and street children.
In addition to wreaking havoc on the lives of addicts and their families, drug addiction is creating a myriad of new problems for communities such as increased crime and violence, the emergence of various social ills and the deterioration of the social fabric, as well as the spread of drug-related diseases such as AIDS and Hepatitis.
Drug abuse is a threat and poses devastating effects on workplaces. Many work-related accidents, injuries, illness, absenteeism, non-productivity and poor quality of production are linked to drug abuse.
The need to ensure that workplaces are free from drug abuse is obvious. Drug use has been found to contribute to workplace accidents, absenteeism, medical claims and compensation claims. Poor productivity, high staff turnover and criminal involvement have been found arising from the use of alcohol and drug abuse.
For many years, Malaysia has relentlessly combated to eradicate this menace. The Malaysian Government is committed to combat drug problems and in 1998 endorsed a strategic plan to create a drug-free Malaysia by the year 2015.
In Malaysia, our National Anti-Drugs Agency, has statistics to indicate that 80% of arrested drug addicts are in employment. Investing in strategies to prevent and respond to drug problems in the workplace is consistent with the Government’s anti-drug strategy and will result in a more productive workplace.
The Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) in Malaysia has introduced Guidelines on Preventing and Responding to Drug Problems in the Workplace.
Every employer and every self-employed person is required to ensure as far as practicable, the safety, health and welfare at work of his employees. Drug use can pose major risks to employees’ safety, health and welfare; and employers have a legal duty to take measures to eliminate or minimize the risk.
Similarly, employees too, are required to take reasonable care in terms of the safety of himself / herself and other persons who may be affected by his actions or omissions at work. Employees should not indulge in hazardous or harmful drug or alcohol use and should cooperate with employers in removing such risk factors from the workplace.
While, employers have a general duty to provide a safe and healthy workplace, free from hazards employees must take reasonable care of their own safety and health and not endanger the safety and health of others at the workplace.
We need to adopt a strategy to ensure workplace hazards and risks associated with the use of drugs and alcohol are eliminated or reduced as far as practicable. If a policy is adopted as part of this strategy, it should reflect the safety needs of that workplace. Education and information about the ways in which drugs and alcohol can affect safety and be part of that strategy should be disseminated among the workforce.
Studies have shown that most drug users are people with low self-esteem and self-worth and they lack the social competence skills such as the ability to say NO to drugs.
They are also poor in decision-making skills, managing stress and lack assertive and communication skills.
The adult employed population usually spends a third of their time and half of their waking hours in their workplaces.
As such employers and employees should collaborate to reduce drug abuse at the workplace and the community. Drug abuse is a threat to the well-being of millions of the world’s working population.
Drug use trends around the world reveal that the global drug problem is large and growing. Abuse of these drugs results in poor job performers and a higher risk of accidents at the workplace.
In Malaysia, although the negative effects of drug abuse and addiction on business and productivity have been recognised there is much to be done to introduce programmes to assists employees with drug problems.
Collaborative efforts between the government, the private sector and NGOs are needed to overcome drug abuse problem at the workplace and keep the workforce productive and healthy for economic development and improved quality of life.
The effects of drug abuse in the workplace have far reaching repercussions on the individual worker, and the employer.
Some of the effects on the individual worker resulting from drug abuse are absenteeism, arriving late for work and early departure from work, nervousness, reduced morale, shoddy workmanship, decline in productivity, contribute to workplace accidents and may result in injury, disability or even death.
Other effects include committing criminal activities to sustain their drug addiction habit and not responding well to training programmes at the workplace.
As far as the employers are concerned, drug abuse at the workplace leads to reduction of output as a result of staff absenteeism, decline in the quality of products and services, damage to property due to accidents, theft and pilferage, decline in worker discipline and loss of public trust because of poor quality products and services.
Drug abuse at the workplace poses a major business problem because it affects the bottom line and costs money to the employers.
There is a need to develop a drug-free workplace policy to benefit both employers and employees such as to provide for job security in respect of employees and productivity and profitability for the employers.
All companies should have a health and safety policy and every effort should be made to ensure workplace drug abuse prevention programmes be made an integral part of activities for occupational safety and health.
I believe the best way to address the drug abuse problem at the workplace is through the following SEVEN-POINT programme:-
i. MANAGEMENT COMMITMENT AND LEADERSHIP
A drug-free workplace must of necessity involve the top management. There must also be commitment from all concerned to work towards a drug-free workplace and create a win-win situation for both employers and employees;
ii. DRUG FREE WORKPLACE POLICY AND COMMITTEE
There must be a written policy to reflect the strong commitment of the employer to a drug-free workplace. In addition, Workplace Anti-Drug Committees must be set up, either utilizing the existing occupational safety and health committees or specific sub-committees to operationalise the activities of a drug-free workplace programme.
iii. EMPLOYEE EDUCATION AND AWARENESS PROGRAMME
In all workplaces there must be programme of employees’ education and awareness which focuses on the specific dangers of drug abuse and why the workforce should be free from drugs.
iv. SUPERVISOR TRAINING PROGRAMME
Supervisors can play a key role to the successful implementation of any drug-free workplace policy and programee. They can be trained not only to detect drug abuse at the workplace out also to deal and cope with employees using drugs.
v. DRUG SCREENING PROGRAMME
As part of an effort to strive for a drug-free work environment, employees should be subjected to random urine test to ensure they are free from drugs. There is growing consensus that drug testing in the workplace is an important component of drug abuse prevention programme, particularly when the health and safety of others may be at risk.
vi. TREATMENT REFERRAL
As employees are valuable resources in any organization, it is imperative for employers to assist employees who are drug users to seek help, counseling, treatment and rehabilitation instead of dismissing them and making them a threat to the community. After these drug users have been rehabilitated, they should be allowed to remain in the workforce while putting them under supervision.
vii. SUPPORT COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND RESPOND TO DRUG ABUSE
The corporate sector can help the community to respond to the challenges of drug abuse by volunteering financial contributions, or assistance in-kind, to help credible NGOs in carrying out sustained anti-drug campaigns at the community level.
To summarise, drug abuse prevention activities can be carried out through education and information dissemination activities aimed at providing knowledge, awareness and skills such as interpersonal skills, counseling skills at all workplaces.
At workplaces too, recreational activities which develop healthy lifestyles such as Open Day, Family Day, Sports and Games including Outward Bound type programmes should be an integral part of the company’s contribution to a healthy workforce.
Workplace anti-drug programmes must also be supported by community service activities in which the corporate sector can play a role.
AT APOSHO 24 CONFERENCE held at
COEX Convention Centre, Seoul, Korea
ENSURING OSH THROUGH DRUG-FREE WORKPLACES
The escalating abuse of drug and other psychoactive substances has become a major global concern necessitating a comprehensive response and a collaborative and participatory partnership approach from all segments of society.
Business and community collaboration is at the heart of such a participatory and partnership approach. The individual workplace mirrors these problems as a result of the deteriorating health of workers, absenteeism, work accidents and other increased safety risks.
Today the economic and human costs of substance abuse in the workplace is costing businesses billions of dollars annually in lost productivity and health care costs. Drug addiction is no longer a rich nation’s problem or a poor man’s affliction.
It transcends national, ethnic, religious, class and gender lines. Addicts range from the rich to the poor, the homeless to blue and white-collar workers, students, rural farmers, urban employees and street children.
In addition to wreaking havoc on the lives of addicts and their families, drug addiction is creating a myriad of new problems for communities such as increased crime and violence, the emergence of various social ills and the deterioration of the social fabric, as well as the spread of drug-related diseases such as AIDS and Hepatitis.
Drug abuse is a threat and poses devastating effects on workplaces. Many work-related accidents, injuries, illness, absenteeism, non-productivity and poor quality of production are linked to drug abuse.
The need to ensure that workplaces are free from drug abuse is obvious. Drug use has been found to contribute to workplace accidents, absenteeism, medical claims and compensation claims. Poor productivity, high staff turnover and criminal involvement have been found arising from the use of alcohol and drug abuse.
For many years, Malaysia has relentlessly combated to eradicate this menace. The Malaysian Government is committed to combat drug problems and in 1998 endorsed a strategic plan to create a drug-free Malaysia by the year 2015.
In Malaysia, our National Anti-Drugs Agency, has statistics to indicate that 80% of arrested drug addicts are in employment. Investing in strategies to prevent and respond to drug problems in the workplace is consistent with the Government’s anti-drug strategy and will result in a more productive workplace.
The Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) in Malaysia has introduced Guidelines on Preventing and Responding to Drug Problems in the Workplace.
Every employer and every self-employed person is required to ensure as far as practicable, the safety, health and welfare at work of his employees. Drug use can pose major risks to employees’ safety, health and welfare; and employers have a legal duty to take measures to eliminate or minimize the risk.
Similarly, employees too, are required to take reasonable care in terms of the safety of himself / herself and other persons who may be affected by his actions or omissions at work. Employees should not indulge in hazardous or harmful drug or alcohol use and should cooperate with employers in removing such risk factors from the workplace.
While, employers have a general duty to provide a safe and healthy workplace, free from hazards employees must take reasonable care of their own safety and health and not endanger the safety and health of others at the workplace.
We need to adopt a strategy to ensure workplace hazards and risks associated with the use of drugs and alcohol are eliminated or reduced as far as practicable. If a policy is adopted as part of this strategy, it should reflect the safety needs of that workplace. Education and information about the ways in which drugs and alcohol can affect safety and be part of that strategy should be disseminated among the workforce.
Studies have shown that most drug users are people with low self-esteem and self-worth and they lack the social competence skills such as the ability to say NO to drugs.
They are also poor in decision-making skills, managing stress and lack assertive and communication skills.
The adult employed population usually spends a third of their time and half of their waking hours in their workplaces.
As such employers and employees should collaborate to reduce drug abuse at the workplace and the community. Drug abuse is a threat to the well-being of millions of the world’s working population.
Drug use trends around the world reveal that the global drug problem is large and growing. Abuse of these drugs results in poor job performers and a higher risk of accidents at the workplace.
In Malaysia, although the negative effects of drug abuse and addiction on business and productivity have been recognised there is much to be done to introduce programmes to assists employees with drug problems.
Collaborative efforts between the government, the private sector and NGOs are needed to overcome drug abuse problem at the workplace and keep the workforce productive and healthy for economic development and improved quality of life.
The effects of drug abuse in the workplace have far reaching repercussions on the individual worker, and the employer.
Some of the effects on the individual worker resulting from drug abuse are absenteeism, arriving late for work and early departure from work, nervousness, reduced morale, shoddy workmanship, decline in productivity, contribute to workplace accidents and may result in injury, disability or even death.
Other effects include committing criminal activities to sustain their drug addiction habit and not responding well to training programmes at the workplace.
As far as the employers are concerned, drug abuse at the workplace leads to reduction of output as a result of staff absenteeism, decline in the quality of products and services, damage to property due to accidents, theft and pilferage, decline in worker discipline and loss of public trust because of poor quality products and services.
Drug abuse at the workplace poses a major business problem because it affects the bottom line and costs money to the employers.
There is a need to develop a drug-free workplace policy to benefit both employers and employees such as to provide for job security in respect of employees and productivity and profitability for the employers.
All companies should have a health and safety policy and every effort should be made to ensure workplace drug abuse prevention programmes be made an integral part of activities for occupational safety and health.
I believe the best way to address the drug abuse problem at the workplace is through the following SEVEN-POINT programme:-
i. MANAGEMENT COMMITMENT AND LEADERSHIP
A drug-free workplace must of necessity involve the top management. There must also be commitment from all concerned to work towards a drug-free workplace and create a win-win situation for both employers and employees;
ii. DRUG FREE WORKPLACE POLICY AND COMMITTEE
There must be a written policy to reflect the strong commitment of the employer to a drug-free workplace. In addition, Workplace Anti-Drug Committees must be set up, either utilizing the existing occupational safety and health committees or specific sub-committees to operationalise the activities of a drug-free workplace programme.
iii. EMPLOYEE EDUCATION AND AWARENESS PROGRAMME
In all workplaces there must be programme of employees’ education and awareness which focuses on the specific dangers of drug abuse and why the workforce should be free from drugs.
iv. SUPERVISOR TRAINING PROGRAMME
Supervisors can play a key role to the successful implementation of any drug-free workplace policy and programee. They can be trained not only to detect drug abuse at the workplace out also to deal and cope with employees using drugs.
v. DRUG SCREENING PROGRAMME
As part of an effort to strive for a drug-free work environment, employees should be subjected to random urine test to ensure they are free from drugs. There is growing consensus that drug testing in the workplace is an important component of drug abuse prevention programme, particularly when the health and safety of others may be at risk.
vi. TREATMENT REFERRAL
As employees are valuable resources in any organization, it is imperative for employers to assist employees who are drug users to seek help, counseling, treatment and rehabilitation instead of dismissing them and making them a threat to the community. After these drug users have been rehabilitated, they should be allowed to remain in the workforce while putting them under supervision.
vii. SUPPORT COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND RESPOND TO DRUG ABUSE
The corporate sector can help the community to respond to the challenges of drug abuse by volunteering financial contributions, or assistance in-kind, to help credible NGOs in carrying out sustained anti-drug campaigns at the community level.
To summarise, drug abuse prevention activities can be carried out through education and information dissemination activities aimed at providing knowledge, awareness and skills such as interpersonal skills, counseling skills at all workplaces.
At workplaces too, recreational activities which develop healthy lifestyles such as Open Day, Family Day, Sports and Games including Outward Bound type programmes should be an integral part of the company’s contribution to a healthy workforce.
Workplace anti-drug programmes must also be supported by community service activities in which the corporate sector can play a role.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
6% of Malaysians have suicidal thoughts due to stress
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai was reported to have said that about 6% of Malaysians the majority of whom are aged between 16 and 24 years have suicidal tendencies at some point in their lives according to the National Health and Morbidity Survey in 2006.
The Health Minister’s statement has given rise to concern as to whether we are doing enough to help the vulnerable groups to handle and manage stress, particularly the young school children.
We have come to know of students who committed suicide because of disappointment in their UPSR examinations.
The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) wishes to propose to the Government to look into mental health promotion for school students as a remedy to overcoming severe mental stress among many school-going children arising from our examination-oriented education system.
Mental health promotion can be carried out in schools to prepare the students to face stress in schools, especially when sitting for examinations and how to deal with them appropriately.
Among the mental health promotion activities that can be implemented in schools include promoting mental health literacy in the school community through talks, exhibitions and quizzes that can be held as extra-curricular activities involving PTAs and school clubs.
Schools need to have more trained counselors with skills and techniques to guide and help students about how to handle stress.
The issue of mental health among students must be addressed with a sense of urgency. If they do not get our help, our nation is going to be burdened with a generation suffering from serious mental health problems in an ever-increasing competitive global environment.
We cannot deny that our examination-oriented education system has led to pressure from parents to perform in schools.
Even if parents say they don’t pressure their kids, children can pick up on their parents’ high expectations, and in turn, set high expectations for themselves. When they fail they take it badly.
We need to instill basic self-confidence in the child so that any failures or disappointments will be seen as opportunities to try again rather than as a lack of ability and taking the road to disaster.
Let not Malaysia end up in a state which occurred in our neighbouring country not so long ago when in a survey carried out among school children between the ages of 10-12, responded that they were more afraid of failing tests and examinations than of their parents or guardians dying.
The Health Minister’s statement has given rise to concern as to whether we are doing enough to help the vulnerable groups to handle and manage stress, particularly the young school children.
We have come to know of students who committed suicide because of disappointment in their UPSR examinations.
The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) wishes to propose to the Government to look into mental health promotion for school students as a remedy to overcoming severe mental stress among many school-going children arising from our examination-oriented education system.
Mental health promotion can be carried out in schools to prepare the students to face stress in schools, especially when sitting for examinations and how to deal with them appropriately.
Among the mental health promotion activities that can be implemented in schools include promoting mental health literacy in the school community through talks, exhibitions and quizzes that can be held as extra-curricular activities involving PTAs and school clubs.
Schools need to have more trained counselors with skills and techniques to guide and help students about how to handle stress.
The issue of mental health among students must be addressed with a sense of urgency. If they do not get our help, our nation is going to be burdened with a generation suffering from serious mental health problems in an ever-increasing competitive global environment.
We cannot deny that our examination-oriented education system has led to pressure from parents to perform in schools.
Even if parents say they don’t pressure their kids, children can pick up on their parents’ high expectations, and in turn, set high expectations for themselves. When they fail they take it badly.
We need to instill basic self-confidence in the child so that any failures or disappointments will be seen as opportunities to try again rather than as a lack of ability and taking the road to disaster.
Let not Malaysia end up in a state which occurred in our neighbouring country not so long ago when in a survey carried out among school children between the ages of 10-12, responded that they were more afraid of failing tests and examinations than of their parents or guardians dying.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Cost-cutting by Government
The various cost-cutting measures announced by the Government to combat rising costs following the fuel price hike is a step in the right direction.
It should be the fore-runner to more cost-cutting measures that could be introduced as time goes on.
The 10% cut of the Minister’s entertainment allowance is in my view, inadequate and should be higher.
As the Nation is going through difficult and trying times, austerity and thrift is very essential.
Leadership by example is what the rakyat expects and it is hoped that all State governments should do like-wise.
All Government departments should immediately put into practice all cost-cutting measures such as consumption of electricity and the usage of fuel by official government vehicles.
The practice of pinning corsages and giving souvenirs to guests at official functions should be discouraged though it may be trivial. Generous buffet spreads for functions should not be encouraged to prevent wastage.
From now on the message should be to economize and to spend very prudently.
However it needs also to be pointed out that although cost-saving is necessary it must not be at the expense of safety and health.
The setting up of the Anti-Inflation Council is appropriate to deal with the present situation and to introduce additional measures to fight inflation.
It should be the fore-runner to more cost-cutting measures that could be introduced as time goes on.
The 10% cut of the Minister’s entertainment allowance is in my view, inadequate and should be higher.
As the Nation is going through difficult and trying times, austerity and thrift is very essential.
Leadership by example is what the rakyat expects and it is hoped that all State governments should do like-wise.
All Government departments should immediately put into practice all cost-cutting measures such as consumption of electricity and the usage of fuel by official government vehicles.
The practice of pinning corsages and giving souvenirs to guests at official functions should be discouraged though it may be trivial. Generous buffet spreads for functions should not be encouraged to prevent wastage.
From now on the message should be to economize and to spend very prudently.
However it needs also to be pointed out that although cost-saving is necessary it must not be at the expense of safety and health.
The setting up of the Anti-Inflation Council is appropriate to deal with the present situation and to introduce additional measures to fight inflation.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Majikan tidak wajar abai pekerja menderita penyakit mental
Masalah kesihatan mental terutamanya yang bersangkutan dengan tekanan mental hendaklah ditangani dengan segara supaya masalah seperti tekanan, kemarahan dan keganasan, kemurungan dan kejadian bunuh diri dapat dielakkan.
Institut Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan Negara (NIOSH) berpendapat langkah segera perlu diambil untuk menangani masalah kesihatan mental di tempat kerja yang melibatkan majikan, pekerja dan pihak berkuasa yang terlibat.
Pengabaian faktor kesihatan mental dan psikososial di tempat kerja bukan sahaja merugikan pekerja tetapi juga memberi kesan secara langsung terhadap kecekapan, keberkesanan dan hasil sesuatu perusahaan.
Di mana terdapat kes pekerja yang menderita dari penyakit mental, majikan perlu memberi pertolongan dan bantuan dalam bentuk kaunseling dan rawatan.
Prestasi pekerja, kekerapan jatuh sakit, ketidakhadiran, kemalangan dan pusing-ganti pekerja akan terjejas oleh keadaan kesihatan mental pekerja.
Tiada negara atau individu yang terkecuali daripada gangguan mental dan kesannya ke atas keadaan psikologikal, sosial dan ekonomi adalah tinggi. Kesihatan mental tidak lagi boleh diabaikan sebaliknya ia perlu diberikan perhatian sama seperti masalah kesihatan yang lain.
Kesihatan mental bukan sekadar berkenaan penyakit mental. Ia adalah perasaan kesejahteraan, keupayaan menghadapi cabaran dan untuk memastikan sikap positif terhadap diri sendiri.
Isu kesihatan mental di tempat kerja, harus diberikan perhatian kerana produktiviti pekerja di dalam sesuatu organisasi bergantung pada tahap kesihatan mental mereka.
Kemalangan Industri yang telah berlaku di negara selama ini amat membimbangkan kerana setiap kemalangan yang dilaporkan melibatkan tenaga pekerja yang mahir dan terlatih.
Kemalangan akan meninggalkan kesan sama ada dari segi fizikal, sosial atau mental ke atas individu yang mengalaminya. Bukan itu saja, kemalangan juga akan menjejaskan kecekapan atau efisiansi sesebuah syarikat dan lebih buruk lagi, pekerja tidak lagi dapat memberikan sumbangan yang sepenuhnya akibat ditimpa kemalangan di tempat kerja.
Oleh itu, adalah tidak lagi memadai dengan hanya mengadakan arahan kerja kepada pekerja tanpa melengkapkan mereka dengan pendidikan dan latihan yang sesuai untuk membantu mereka memahami kepentingan dalam mengurangkan risiko keselamatan dan kesihatan mereka.
Institut Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan Negara (NIOSH) berpendapat langkah segera perlu diambil untuk menangani masalah kesihatan mental di tempat kerja yang melibatkan majikan, pekerja dan pihak berkuasa yang terlibat.
Pengabaian faktor kesihatan mental dan psikososial di tempat kerja bukan sahaja merugikan pekerja tetapi juga memberi kesan secara langsung terhadap kecekapan, keberkesanan dan hasil sesuatu perusahaan.
Di mana terdapat kes pekerja yang menderita dari penyakit mental, majikan perlu memberi pertolongan dan bantuan dalam bentuk kaunseling dan rawatan.
Prestasi pekerja, kekerapan jatuh sakit, ketidakhadiran, kemalangan dan pusing-ganti pekerja akan terjejas oleh keadaan kesihatan mental pekerja.
Tiada negara atau individu yang terkecuali daripada gangguan mental dan kesannya ke atas keadaan psikologikal, sosial dan ekonomi adalah tinggi. Kesihatan mental tidak lagi boleh diabaikan sebaliknya ia perlu diberikan perhatian sama seperti masalah kesihatan yang lain.
Kesihatan mental bukan sekadar berkenaan penyakit mental. Ia adalah perasaan kesejahteraan, keupayaan menghadapi cabaran dan untuk memastikan sikap positif terhadap diri sendiri.
Isu kesihatan mental di tempat kerja, harus diberikan perhatian kerana produktiviti pekerja di dalam sesuatu organisasi bergantung pada tahap kesihatan mental mereka.
Kemalangan Industri yang telah berlaku di negara selama ini amat membimbangkan kerana setiap kemalangan yang dilaporkan melibatkan tenaga pekerja yang mahir dan terlatih.
Kemalangan akan meninggalkan kesan sama ada dari segi fizikal, sosial atau mental ke atas individu yang mengalaminya. Bukan itu saja, kemalangan juga akan menjejaskan kecekapan atau efisiansi sesebuah syarikat dan lebih buruk lagi, pekerja tidak lagi dapat memberikan sumbangan yang sepenuhnya akibat ditimpa kemalangan di tempat kerja.
Oleh itu, adalah tidak lagi memadai dengan hanya mengadakan arahan kerja kepada pekerja tanpa melengkapkan mereka dengan pendidikan dan latihan yang sesuai untuk membantu mereka memahami kepentingan dalam mengurangkan risiko keselamatan dan kesihatan mereka.
Mental Health Problems
Mental health issues at the workplace should be given due attention as the productivity of the staff of any organization depends on their mental health.
Employers must be aware that the neglect of mental health and psychosocial factors at the workplace is not only detrimental to the individual worker but also directly affects productivity, efficiency and output of any organisation.
Employee performance, frequent illness, absenteeism, accidents and staff turnover are all affected by employees’ mental health status.
Issues related to mental health at the workplace can also have a direct impact on all stakeholders of the workplace including the employers, customers and the community in which the organisation is located.
No workplace is immune to mental disorders and their impact in psychological, social and economic terms is high. Mental health should no longer be ignored, on the contrary it should be given adequate attention in relation to other business in any organization.
Mental health problems, especially stress-related ones among Malaysians are a matter of serious concern and need to be addressed urgently at the workplace so that problems like depression, mental illness and psychiatric disorders can be avoided.
NIOSH is of the view that urgent steps need to be taken to address mental and health issues at workplaces involving employers, employees and the relevant authorities.
In this connection the government should introduce guidelines for promoting mental health at workplaces in order to contribute towards a healthier and productive workforce both mentally and physically.
Employers should use safety and health committees at the workplace to examine and identify the problems relating to the promotion of mental health care at workplaces and formulate a fundamental programme to address these problems.
An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which can provide both prevention and early intervention for employees affected by stress, emotional and mental health issues which jeopardize job performance should be introduced at workplaces.
Funds expended on EAPs have documented investment returns in such areas as productivity and work performance. Companies are finding that investing in employee’ emotional well-being can mean a healthier bottom line.
Mental Health education and promotion, which aims to address the rise of psychosocial problems in our society, is most essential in view of our aspiration to achieve developed nation status which obviously will exert tremendous pressure to deal with our daily responsibilities which could lead to stressful predicaments.
Psychiatric disorders and other forms of mental illness are tragic reminders of another side of life which not be overlooked in our quest to become a fully industrialized nation.
Although a 1996 national health study found mental illness to be prevalent in about 10.7 % of the population, the facts seem to indicate a surge in mental illness which are the manifestations of the ill effects of urbanization, stress and poor mental health. We cannot be unconcerned over the increasing spate of incidents involving the mentally ill or those suffering from mental disorders.
The impact of mental illness on the family and the society is enormous in terms of loss of productivity, legal problems and economic costs. Direct costs of mental disorders are high but indirect costs are estimated to be much higher than the direct costs to society. Mental disorders also impact on the quality of life in communities which has a direct bearing on society.
In previous years mental health has been a topic of low priority for the government and the community as compared to other health problems. But increasingly as reflected worldwide, mental health has gained more prominence.
In Malaysia we need to do more for those who suffer from mental illness. On the welfare services front, the government should include the mentally ill as disabled persons and brought under the category of ‘orang kurang upaya’ or disabled persons and they should be accorded opportunities in employment to help them return to the mainstream and not be a burden to society.
Employers must be aware that the neglect of mental health and psychosocial factors at the workplace is not only detrimental to the individual worker but also directly affects productivity, efficiency and output of any organisation.
Employee performance, frequent illness, absenteeism, accidents and staff turnover are all affected by employees’ mental health status.
Issues related to mental health at the workplace can also have a direct impact on all stakeholders of the workplace including the employers, customers and the community in which the organisation is located.
No workplace is immune to mental disorders and their impact in psychological, social and economic terms is high. Mental health should no longer be ignored, on the contrary it should be given adequate attention in relation to other business in any organization.
Mental health problems, especially stress-related ones among Malaysians are a matter of serious concern and need to be addressed urgently at the workplace so that problems like depression, mental illness and psychiatric disorders can be avoided.
NIOSH is of the view that urgent steps need to be taken to address mental and health issues at workplaces involving employers, employees and the relevant authorities.
In this connection the government should introduce guidelines for promoting mental health at workplaces in order to contribute towards a healthier and productive workforce both mentally and physically.
Employers should use safety and health committees at the workplace to examine and identify the problems relating to the promotion of mental health care at workplaces and formulate a fundamental programme to address these problems.
An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which can provide both prevention and early intervention for employees affected by stress, emotional and mental health issues which jeopardize job performance should be introduced at workplaces.
Funds expended on EAPs have documented investment returns in such areas as productivity and work performance. Companies are finding that investing in employee’ emotional well-being can mean a healthier bottom line.
Mental Health education and promotion, which aims to address the rise of psychosocial problems in our society, is most essential in view of our aspiration to achieve developed nation status which obviously will exert tremendous pressure to deal with our daily responsibilities which could lead to stressful predicaments.
Psychiatric disorders and other forms of mental illness are tragic reminders of another side of life which not be overlooked in our quest to become a fully industrialized nation.
Although a 1996 national health study found mental illness to be prevalent in about 10.7 % of the population, the facts seem to indicate a surge in mental illness which are the manifestations of the ill effects of urbanization, stress and poor mental health. We cannot be unconcerned over the increasing spate of incidents involving the mentally ill or those suffering from mental disorders.
The impact of mental illness on the family and the society is enormous in terms of loss of productivity, legal problems and economic costs. Direct costs of mental disorders are high but indirect costs are estimated to be much higher than the direct costs to society. Mental disorders also impact on the quality of life in communities which has a direct bearing on society.
In previous years mental health has been a topic of low priority for the government and the community as compared to other health problems. But increasingly as reflected worldwide, mental health has gained more prominence.
In Malaysia we need to do more for those who suffer from mental illness. On the welfare services front, the government should include the mentally ill as disabled persons and brought under the category of ‘orang kurang upaya’ or disabled persons and they should be accorded opportunities in employment to help them return to the mainstream and not be a burden to society.
Bandar Selamat
Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) today calls on all Malaysians to work towards zero tolerance for crime by developing an anti-crime culture and making safety a way of life.
Unless one is determined to have an anti-crime culture and make safety a way of life, the fight against crime will not be effective and enduring.
In the wake of frequent press reports about crime occurrences, it is time not only for the relevant authorities but also the entire community to be fully sensitized about the need for quick and effective action to deal not only with the criminals but also the issues and causes that can lead to crime.
For example, complaints that are brought to the attention of the relevant authorities about what can be done to remove the causes for crime occurrence should be attended to speedily. Every complaint that is related to crime prevention must be attended to. For example if there is a complaint related to installing street lights to overcome problems of dark lanes or alleys, or requiring action to improve the safety of passages or walkways to schools and housing estates it must be acted upon urgently.
As crimes continue to occur and given the fact that the law enforcement alone is inadequate to tackle crime, the government has to promulgate effective social policies and programmes to prevent and control criminal activities.
What is essential is to find out the root causes of crime and criminal activities and take appropriate steps to address them?
However, the government also needs other stakeholders such as the traders, residents, professionals and the public to assist them to combat crime.
Hence, policymakers, academicians and the various strata of society need to stand up to this challenge and make their cities, towns and villages safe and liveable for everyone.
In this connection, continuous efforts must be made to reduce crime, lessen the fear of crime and create safer cities and towns where economic enterprises and community like can flourish.
This agenda to control and prevent crime demands a synergistic, concerted and tireless endeavour from everyone. Everyone has a role to play and a function to perform in the fight against crime.
The public must be made aware of the fact that crime prevention is a collective responsibility. Since its inception, MCPF is actively involved in awareness campaigns with various community based organizations to help create greater awareness about the need not to take their safety for granted but on the contrary to participate actively in crime prevention.
Through our safe city initiative projects, MCPF hopes to enlist the participation of all levels of our community in educating the public about what they should do in crime prevention.
Unless one is determined to have an anti-crime culture and make safety a way of life, the fight against crime will not be effective and enduring.
In the wake of frequent press reports about crime occurrences, it is time not only for the relevant authorities but also the entire community to be fully sensitized about the need for quick and effective action to deal not only with the criminals but also the issues and causes that can lead to crime.
For example, complaints that are brought to the attention of the relevant authorities about what can be done to remove the causes for crime occurrence should be attended to speedily. Every complaint that is related to crime prevention must be attended to. For example if there is a complaint related to installing street lights to overcome problems of dark lanes or alleys, or requiring action to improve the safety of passages or walkways to schools and housing estates it must be acted upon urgently.
As crimes continue to occur and given the fact that the law enforcement alone is inadequate to tackle crime, the government has to promulgate effective social policies and programmes to prevent and control criminal activities.
What is essential is to find out the root causes of crime and criminal activities and take appropriate steps to address them?
However, the government also needs other stakeholders such as the traders, residents, professionals and the public to assist them to combat crime.
Hence, policymakers, academicians and the various strata of society need to stand up to this challenge and make their cities, towns and villages safe and liveable for everyone.
In this connection, continuous efforts must be made to reduce crime, lessen the fear of crime and create safer cities and towns where economic enterprises and community like can flourish.
This agenda to control and prevent crime demands a synergistic, concerted and tireless endeavour from everyone. Everyone has a role to play and a function to perform in the fight against crime.
The public must be made aware of the fact that crime prevention is a collective responsibility. Since its inception, MCPF is actively involved in awareness campaigns with various community based organizations to help create greater awareness about the need not to take their safety for granted but on the contrary to participate actively in crime prevention.
Through our safe city initiative projects, MCPF hopes to enlist the participation of all levels of our community in educating the public about what they should do in crime prevention.
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