Occupational safety and health (OSH) is generally defined as the science of the anticipation, recognition, evaluation and control of hazards arising in or from the workplace that could impair the health and well-being of workers, taking into account the possible impact on the surrounding communities and the general environment.

This domain is necessarily vast, encompassing a large number of disciplines and numerous workplace and environmental hazards. A wide range of structures, skills, knowledge and analytical capacities are needed to coordinate and implement all of the “building blocks” that make up national OSH systems so that protection is extended to both workers and the environment.

“The human, social and economic costs of occupational accidents, injuries and diseases and major industrial disasters have long been cause for concern at all levels from the individual workplace to the national and international,” said Adrian Hon, the Principal of I-Systems College.

“Although measures and strategies designed to prevent occupational hazards and risks have been developed and applied continuously over the years, occupational accidents and diseases are still too frequent and their cost in terms of human suffering and economic burden continues to be significant” said Hon.

For example, in Malaysia, the construction sector is the third biggest contributor to the 31,943 accident cases referred to the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) last year. Quoting the Human Resource Minister Datuk Seri Richard Riot said the construction sector saw 2,880 cases involving 55 deaths. These statistics, especially those involving death, were very worrying because other than the human factor, it could result in the country losing the workforce, thus affecting development.Last year,  9,544 construction projects were checked, with punitive action taken in 12,825 cases.

“It is understood that the ministry wants the safety and health aspects in the workplace generally to be improved and given priority because some workplaces are categorized as dangerous zones, not just for the workers but also to people in surrounding areas,” he added.

Understanding that OSH has become the integral part of the industry in Malaysia, I-Systems College is offering the Diploma of Occupational Safety and Health for all interested candidates who aspire to improve the effects of the working environment on the health and well being of workers.

“We spend a third of our lives at work, so workplaces contribute significantly to our health. Injuries and ill-health are two problems all workers potentially face. If you want a career helping to reduce that burden on individuals and the nation, then this is the qualification for you,” add Hon again.

Essentially the course is design to equipped the graduates with the knowledge on how to create healthy workplaces, including improving the interrelationship of people at work, the work they do, and their working environment.Workplace safety and health policies are key elements of any modern business or organization. They can help ensure employee well-being as well as foster a productive work environment.

Those graduating from this course will  gain a thorough understanding of key aspects such as risk analysis, hazard identification and control, safety education and training, and best practice policies for the implementation of effective safety programs. The graduate of Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health can lead to many careers such as Health and Safety managers, Occupational Health and Safety consultants, Human Resource managers and advisors and anything the like.

“Development in inevitable, but while progressing we must not neglect the issues of safety and health of the people. The state is fast developing and we want to be part of the effort to ensure that the progress is a healthy one – but not harmful,” said Hon again.

Time and again, companies that put safety first turn out higher quality products. By working in a clean, efficient environment, workers are able to reduce distractions and truly focus on the quality of what they do. The results is usually better products that create customer loyalty, bigger margins and increased sales.

“In these ways and others workplace safety is about much more than legislation. It’s about creating the kind of productive, efficient, happy and inspiring workplace we all want to be part of. It’s about creating a highly profitable company. And that’s why it’s important.”

I-Systems College is now in the process of getting the diploma to be recognized by the Department on OSH (DOSH), Malaysia. With this recognition, the graduates of this program will only be required to work for 6 months before they can register with DOSH as a Safety Officer.

With the experience accompanied with its management quality in both academic and operational, I-Systems Group of Colleges aspires to be the industry leaders championing the holistic tertiary education in Sarawak – putting it on the right track to soar higher in the years to come.

For more information about I-Systems Group of Colleges’ programmes, please visit www.i-systems.edu.my or contact the Course Counselor at 082-363787 / 082-369887or SMS to 016 889 3089. Students are encouraged to visit the campus and meet its course counselors at No.1, Taman Muara Tabuan, Jalan Muara Tabuan, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak (Tel: 082-363787/369887).

(Press Release)