University Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) as an agent in propagating occupational safety and health programmes among small business units in Perlis vis-a-vis Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994

Abstract

There are currently 5,590 registered business units in Perlis. However, only 2,973 business units are active business unit operating in Perlis. Statistics from Company Commission of Malaysia also shows that 2,617 business units in Perlis have terminated their businesses entity. This indicates owners of the business entity who are active in their business endower; profit is the main aim. With these scenarios, occupational safety and health matter are not essential programmes to the owner of these business units. Statistics from SOCSO indicate 405,708 occupational accidents occured during the period 2000 to 2004. A high rate of industrial accident was said to occur in small and medium enterprise industries. An exploratory research was conducted among employees of small business unit in Perlis of which the findings indicate that 76.9 percent of the respondents are not aware of the existence and enforcement of Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 1994. Thus, this paper will look at the role of UniMAP in propagating the importance of cultivating the culture of safety, health and welfare of persons at workplace among small business units. A random survey using questionnaires will be conducted on the employers and employees of small business units in Perlis to ascertain these needs. It is hope through this working paper; UniMAP will be able to share its knowledge with other institution and occupational safety and health practitioners in order to provide and ensure a safe and conducive working environment at the work place against risks to safety or health arising out of the activities of persons at work.