Following the Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) Act 2022, many organizations in Malaysia are now required to appoint an Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Coordinator, particularly companies with 5 to 40 employees. This initiative aims to strengthen workplace safety practices and encourage organizations to take a more proactive approach toward hazard prevention and employee well-being.
However, appointing an OSH Coordinator is only the first step! To ensure that workplace safety is effectively managed, the OSH Coordinator must carry out several key responsibilities on a regular basis. By following a structured checklist, SMEs can implement safety practices more consistently and ensure that important safety tasks are not overlooked.
The following checklist provides practical guidance on how OSH Coordinators can support their organizations in maintaining a safer and more compliant workplace.
Conduct Regular Workplace Inspections
The first step in managing workplace safety is to conduct regular inspections to identify potential hazards. As an OSH Coordinator, you should periodically observe work areas, equipment conditions, housekeeping practices, and employee work behaviour.
When conducting inspections, pay attention to potential hazards such as blocked walkways, exposed electrical wiring, improper storage of materials, or malfunctioning equipment. Any unsafe conditions should be documented and reported to management so that corrective actions can be taken promptly.
For example, during a routine inspection in a small manufacturing workshop, an OSH Coordinator noticed that several extension cables were placed across a walkway used by workers transporting materials. By recommending proper cable management and designated walkways, the company was able to eliminate the tripping hazard and improve overall workplace safety.
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Identify Workplace Hazards and Implement Risk Control Measures
Another important responsibility is to identify hazards associated with daily work activities and ensure that appropriate control measures are implemented. As an OSH Coordinator, you should work closely with supervisors and employees to understand the risks involved in their tasks.
After identifying hazards, recommend practical control measures such as improving work procedures, installing protective equipment, or introducing safer work methods. These actions help reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
In a small food processing facility, employees frequently worked near wet areas where washing activities were carried out. After reviewing the work environment, the OSH Coordinator recommended installing anti-slip mats and improving drainage systems. These measures helped reduce the risk of slips and falls while allowing employees to continue working safely.
Promote Safety Awareness Among Employees
Workplace safety can only be effective when employees understand and practice safe work behaviour. As an OSH Coordinator, you should actively promote safety awareness among workers by conducting safety briefings, toolbox talks, and awareness campaigns.
Regular communication about workplace hazards helps employees remain alert and encourages them to follow safe working procedures. Encouraging employees to report hazards or unsafe conditions also strengthens the organization’s overall safety culture.
In a warehouse where employees regularly handle heavy goods, the OSH Coordinator introduced short weekly safety briefings on proper lifting techniques. Over time, workers became more aware of correct manual handling practices, which helped reduce reports of minor back strain injuries.
Maintain Safety Records and Documentation
Accurate documentation is an important part of effective safety management. As an OSH Coordinator, you should maintain records related to workplace inspections, incident reports, hazard identification, and safety training activities.
These records allow organizations to monitor safety performance, identify recurring risks, and track improvements over time. Well-organized documentation also helps demonstrate that the organization is actively managing workplace safety.
In a logistics company, the OSH Coordinator began recording all minor incidents and near misses in the warehouse. After reviewing these records over several months, management discovered that most incidents occurred near the loading area during peak hours. This information allowed the company to reorganize traffic flow and improve safety in that area.
Report Incidents and Monitor Corrective Actions
If an accident or near miss occurs, it is important to ensure that the incident is properly reported and investigated. As an OSH Coordinator, you should document the incident, identify the possible causes, and recommend corrective actions to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.
Monitoring whether corrective actions have been implemented is equally important. This helps ensure that safety improvements are carried out effectively and maintained over time.
In a retail storeroom, a shelving unit collapsed due to overloading but fortunately did not cause any injuries. The OSH Coordinator documented the incident and recommended implementing weight limits for shelving units along with proper storage practices. As a result, the company improved its storage procedures and reduced the likelihood of similar incidents occurring again.
Conclusion
For SMEs, managing workplace safety does not need to be overly complicated. By following a structured checklist and carrying out these responsibilities consistently, OSH Coordinators can help organizations create safer working environments and reduce workplace risks.
More importantly, an effective OSH Coordinator contributes to building a positive safety culture within the organization. By identifying hazards, promoting safety awareness, and ensuring that corrective actions are implemented, companies can protect their employees while also supporting long-term operational performance and compliance with occupational safety and health requirements.
