Friday September 21, 2012

Niosh: Two die daily in commuting accidents

KUALA LUMPUR: Employers need to set up a Commuting Safety Management System as a step towards reducing accidents involving workers going to and from work, said National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh) chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

He said the main issue surrounding occupational safety and health in Malaysia was commuting accidents.

“Three occupational deaths occurred each day in 2011,” he said in a statement yesterday. “Two were caused by accidents on the way to work,” he said. “This shows how serious the situation is in Malaysia.”

Lee said of the 59,897 cases reported last year, 40.2% were commuting accidents. The manufacturing sector recorded the highest with 22,760 cases or 38% of the total number of such accidents.

“Victims are left with long-term disabilities, high medical bills, increased claims for permanent disabilities and they are unable to function in the economic and social system,” he added. - Bernama

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