Prepare to cope with Sars outbreak among workers: NIOSH
Occupational health should take centre stage to address the emergence of new type of diseases such as the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars), National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) chairperson Lee Lam Thye said today.
He said the emergence of new types of diseases had led to psychological stress among working people who fear contracting them while performing their duties.
"Workers are the biggest asset to any organisation but in the course of their work they are exposed to many hazards and risks at their workplaces," he said.
Occupational health should take centre stage to address the emergence of new type of diseases such as the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars), National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) chairperson Lee Lam Thye said today.
He said the emergence of new types of diseases had led to psychological stress among working people who fear contracting them while performing their duties.
"Workers are the biggest asset to any organisation but in the course of their work they are exposed to many hazards and risks at their workplaces," he said.
Tremendous impact
Bernama
quoted Lee as saying that the outbreak of Sars would have a tremendous impact on the workplace.As such, he urged the industries to focus on occupational health issues at the workplace in the interest of ensuring a healthy workforce which could contribute to the country's economic growth.
"There are also other issues such as alcohol and drugs, HIV/AIDS which need to be addressed as part and parcel of health-related problems at work."
"In view of this scenario, occupational health should take centre stage. Occupational health is multi-disciplinary in nature which involves many agencies, government and NGOs and professionals including doctors, engineers, hygienists, occupational therapists, psychologists and others," he said.
Comprehensive guidelines
Lee added that what was needed was a set of comprehensive guidelines on occupational health services for all workers.
"Very comprehensive occupational health services at affordable competitive prices must be put in place to ensure that the targets and quality of occupational health and safety services are achieved, " he said.
In line with this, the Social Security Organisation (Socso) has played a role in training its 5,000 panel doctors in occupational health which would improve occupational health services of the nation.
He added that NIOSH also conducted courses for Occupational Health doctors, nurses, assessors and industrial hygienists to serve the occupational health needs of the nation.
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