LETTERS: The 2024 Budget tabled on Oct 13 did not provide any stimulus to reduce accidents and injuries in the workplace.
Many employers are disappointed as they had been looking forward to many years of announcements on the abolition or reduction of tax imposed on personal protective equipment (PPE).
Employees face a range of hazards in the workplace that could cause injury or illness.
PPE is a crucial aspect of workplace safety that cannot be ignored. Protection of workers' safety and health is a prime concern for employers. PPE greatly reduces the risk of injury.
The wearing of PPE to control risk exposure is often referred to as the "last resort" or "the last line of defence".
Despite this perception, the use of PPE may, in certain circumstances, be the only practicable protection.
PPE used to be inexpensive and readily available. In mid-2010, the authorities mandated that all PPE must be approved and comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.
The requirements for PPE approval are stipulated in OSHA 1994 and its guidelines. Each type of PPE is required to be manufactured to relevant standards approved by the authorities.
Typically, PPE that needs approval includes hard hats, gloves, goggles, safety shoes, safety glasses, welding helmets and goggles, face shields, chemical protective equipment and fall protection equipment.
All PPE must be tested and issued with a product certification licence from the independent inspecting or certification body appointed by the authority. Conforming to OSHA standards and certification were additional costs for PPE.
During the height of Covid-19, to encourage businesses to adapt to new norms and adhere to Covid-19-related standard operating procedures, the government granted a tax deduction on costs incurred to prevent the spread of Covid-19, including the purchase of PPE.
We hope the prime minister will reconsider and grant a tax deduction or a tax abolition of PPE for the protection of workers from workplace injuries.
WONG SOO KAN
Petaling Jaya, Selangor
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times