Workplace injuries and risk reduction practices in Malaysia
Roslinah Ali1, Rafiza Shaharudin, Azahadi Omar
1Institute for Health Management, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. roslinah.ali@ipk.moh.gov.my
International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health
|February 26, 2013
Summary
Workplace injuries in Malaysia occurred at a rate of 4.9 per 100 workers. Low uptake of occupational safety and health (OSH) training and personal protective equipment (PPE) highlights a need for improved risk reduction practices.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The study utilized data from the 2006 Malaysia National Health Morbidity Survey III (NHMS III).
- It focused on workplace injuries and risk reduction strategies within the Malaysian workforce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of workplace injuries in Malaysia.
- To assess the prevalence of key risk reduction practices among workers.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, population-based survey design was employed.
- Data collection involved face-to-face household interviews using a pre-coded questionnaire.
- A total of 20,180 respondents participated, representing an 88.2% response rate.
Main Results:
- The incidence rate of workplace injuries was 4.9 per 100 workers (95% CI: 4.6-5.2).
- Only 33.6% of workers reported receiving occupational safety and health (OSH) training.
- Among those needing personal protective equipment (PPE), only 38.9% (95% CI: 37.8-39.4) were provided with it.
Conclusions:
- There is a low uptake of essential risk reduction practices, including OSH training and PPE provision.
- Urgent further research is needed to understand and address the barriers to these practices.
- Improving safety and health for the working population requires targeted interventions.
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