Kuala Lumpur: The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has introduced four initiatives to help Malaysia’s construction industry.
NIOSH Chairman Chong Chieng Jen stated that while regulations are essential, they are not sufficient on their own to transform safety culture in high-risk sectors, such as construction.
“We must build capacity, access, and awareness. That’s exactly what NIOSH has been working on, and various concrete actions has been taken to support the construction industry,” he said in a speech during the opening ceremony of the New Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) Amendment Compliance for Construction Seminar at Dewan Rafflesia, Menara NIOSH, Bangi, yesterday.
The four concrete actions to support the construction industry by NIOSH are as follows:
1. OSH-MADANI programme
NIOSH is offering 10,000 free training seats for OSH Coordinators (OSH-C) to ensure that even micro and small construction firms can comply with OSHA 2022 regulations without a financial burden.
2. Global recognition through upgraded CSPS
The Contractor Safety Passport Scheme (CSPS) has been enhanced by integrating it with the ECITB International Health and Safety Passport. This alignment raises local safety standards while providing Malaysian workers with internationally recognised credentials.
3. VR-Based construction safety training
In collaboration with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), the NIOSH Research and Development Department (CRDD) team has developed virtual reality (VR)-based training modules to enhance hazard awareness. The immersive training focuses on high-risk activities, such as piling and site preparation, making safety education more engaging and effective.
4. 25% subsidies for core certifications
Through a partnership with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), NIOSH offered 25% fee subsidies for key safety certifications, such as the Safety and Health Officer (SHO) and Site Safety Supervisor (SSS). This effort has reduced financial barriers for contractors seeking to enhance team competencies.
Chong said that these four initiatives reflect NIOSH’s commitment to supporting the industry not just through enforcement, but by making compliance achievable.
“Safety must be part of the project from day one, and that starts with giving all stakeholders the tools they need,” he said.
He added, NIOSH regional and state-level teams across the country have significantly expanded their outreach.
“They are now equipped to deliver both training and consultation services to hundreds of thousands of workers and employers annually, making OSH support more accessible and closer to worksites nationwide.
“We also recognise the increasing complexity of construction, where subcontracting chains are longer, materials more sophisticated and timelines more compressed. That’s why compliance must be proactive, not reactive,” he said.
Chong emphasised that with the amendment of OSHA 2022, a new era is being entered, where accountability, prevention, and responsibility are no longer optional, but are now legal expectations.
“Legislation is not just a rulebook, but a tool for protection and fairness. The new amendments now cover all workplaces, impose heavier penalties, mandate OSH Committees in smaller teams, and require principals to protect third-party workers. These are necessary shifts to strengthen a safety-first mindset across the board.
“Understanding the amended OSHA is not just the responsibility of legal or safety team but must become second nature to site managers, engineers, procurement officers and even project clients,” he said.
