Malaysia ratifies ILO's Occupational Safety and Health Convention

The Malaysian government delivered this week to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) the instrument of ratification of the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155).

The convention aims to prevent work-related accidents and health injuries by minimising the causes of hazards in the workplace as is reasonably practicable.

Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said the ratification is a testament to Malaysia's "utmost commitment in advancing the protection of workers as part of the government's continued effort to strengthen occupational safety and health."

"Concurrently, this commitment will further elevate the country's labour standards especially in the aspect of occupational safety and health, which are intrinsic global human rights," Sim said in a statement.

"Malaysia's strides in occupational safety and health are in alignment with the International Labour Conference's resolution in 2022 to recognise a safe and healthy working environment as the fifth fundamental principle and right at work."

In receiving the instrument of ratification, ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo said he sincerely welcomes Malaysia's ratification of Convention No. 155.

"Convention No. 155 is one of the fundamental ILO instruments on occupational safety and health and sets out the basic principles and methodology required for sustained improvements in the management of occupational safety and health," Houngbo said.

"It provides for the adoption of a coherent national occupational safety and health policy, as well as action to be taken by governments and within enterprises to promote occupational safety and health and to improve working conditions."

Malaysia's occupational safety reforms

Malaysia's delivery of the instrument of ratification comes as its amendments to its Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) take effect this month.

"This endeavour will further complement the enactment of policies, legislation, and programmes pertaining to occupational safety and health in the country, following the 2022 amendment to the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994," Sim said.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) also lauded the government's move as "timely," as it coincides with the OSHA amendments.

"MEF fully endorsed this significant step, emphasising that the ratification of ILO Convention 155 underscores Malaysia's commitment to aligning its occupational safety and health practices with global standards," said MEF president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman in a statement.

"This decision reflects a collaborative effort between the government, employers, unions, and international bodies to prioritise the wellbeing of our workforce."