KOTA KINABALU: Work-related commuting accidents in the country are on the rise compared to the rate of industrial mishaps, said National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
Based on Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) statistics, industrial accidents have reduced by 37 per cent over the past 11 years.
In 2003, a total of 56,249 mishap cases in workplace were recorded compared to 35,309 cases reported last year.
“This reduction is a positive development for our country but my concern is although we managed to reduce industrial accidents, commuting mishaps are escalating.
“Last year, Perkeso recorded 28,050 road accidents with 933 death reports involving workers. In 2003, there were 17,609 cases.”
Lee told said in a press conference after launching the State-level World Day for Safety and Health at Work at the Likas Sports Complex here.
Also present were Mayor Datuk Abidin Madingkir and Sabah Sports Board chairman Datuk Louis Rampas.
Stressing on safety and health, Lee said there were three contributing factors to road accidents namely the attitude of road users and the vehicle as well as road conditions.
“We have conducted safety programmes numerous times and the awareness is already there. Employers and employees must practice safety measures in order to avoid untoward incident.”
He said workers must ensure their vehicles are road worthy, adding Niosh is also working with Road Safety Department in conducting defensive driving and riding.
Meanwhile, Abidin said City Hall had taken aggressive approach to step up safety of the people in the city.
“Most workers work outside such as in commercial development. Being the City Hall, we can work with Niosh to decide on the action to be taken if there are safety problems.”