Malaysia adopts guidelines to manage alcohol and drug-related problems at work place

Star: KUANTAN: Malaysia has adopted international guidelines to manage alcohol and drug-related problems at the work place that employers should use in their organisations.
“The code of practice clearly explains the best method to prevent the abuse of drugs, alcohol and other hazardous substance.
“As such, managers at all levels must practise and use it as the main reference to address the issue that arise at the workplace,” said Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) deputy director-general Amir Yahya.
The department drew up the code based on international guidelines recognised by the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP), he told a seminar on the code of practice here on Thursday.
Pahang state OSHA director Abdul Kahar Hussain aslo spoke at the gathering. Amir said the code was designed to meet the needs and culture of workplaces in the country, with help from the Health Ministry, the National Anti-Drug Agency and the police.
On occupational safety and health, Amir quoted 2004 statistics from the Social Security Organisation (Socso) that showed that there were more than 50,000 industrial accidents from the more than 69,000 accidents that occurred at work places.
He said about 13.5% of the cases led to permanent disability, some of which were due to being involved in drugs or alcohol.
Speaking to reporters later, Amir said employers of 26 work places involved in a nationwide pilot project had been given advice and guidance on how to come up with an action plan to manage drugs, alcohol and substance abuse.
“The action plan will contain guidelines to all workers on the dos and don’ts in drugs, alcohol and substance at the workplace.
“We will guide them until they are able to stand on their own. There is no deadline given as they are free to adopt and adapt what is suitable at their workplaces,” he added.
“Although there is no legal binding, we strongly recommend that employers take the initiative to come up with their own version of codes of practise.