Kuala lumpur: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are being urged to shift their perception of occupational safety and health (OSH) from a liability to a strategic investment that can foster a safe working culture across the nation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysian Society for Occupational Safety and Health (MSOSH) President Datuk Ahmad Fakhrul Anuar Ismail emphasized that the association's key challenge is to increase awareness of OSH requirements among SMEs. While large corporations have shown improved awareness due to advocacy, training, and compliance efforts, the focus now needs to be directed towards smaller enterprises.

Ahmad Fakhrul pointed out that many employers see OSH as a burden, particularly when it involves releasing employees for training or investing in safety equipment. He stressed that this mindset needs to evolve as safe and healthy employees can enhance productivity, reduce medical leave, and prevent greater financial losses for a company.

He highlighted that viewing OSH as a burden is detrimental, especially for SMEs with limited manpower, as employee safety is integral to business sustainability. He noted that accidents or frequent medical leaves result in operational cost increases, reduced productivity, and business disruptions.

Ahmad Fakhrul further mentioned that strengthening OSH practices among SMEs should involve appointing an OSH coordinator in workplaces with more than five employees. He expressed hope that the occupational safety culture would become ingrained within these businesses through the coordinator's role.