Brunei- Concern over workplace safety hazards in Brunei

Brunei is concerned over workplace safety hazards. It was reported that through continuous monitoring, there was a decrease in work-related fatalities from 2013 across all industries. However the construction industry saw an increase in workplace accidents from 18 in 2014 to 154 in 2020.

The Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA) Senior Inspector, Hajah Bibi Kalthom binti Haji CA Mohamed was sharing this at the seminar ‘Growing Importance of HSSE in Energy Sector’ hosted by Petroleum Authority (PA) of Brunei Darussalam Head HSSE Pengiran Adi Johan Pengiran Annuar during Session 3 of the Brunei Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition 2022 (Brunei MYCE 2022) at the Muzakarah Hall of the International Convention Centre, Berakas.

Various agencies saw the growing importance for the observation of safety hazards in a number of key factors towards Goal Zero with Hajah Bibi Kalthom identifying the various phases needing HSSE Risk Assessment Elements (ALARP) to avoid incidents.

“Fatalities and injuries arising from incidents at construction sites mainly involve heights, crane operations and electrical works,” Hajah Bibi Kalthom shared the findings from the two-year study.

There was a lack of awareness of the law, a competent supervisors and the absence of individuals to manage or coordinate safety and health matters on site are some of the contributing factors to such fatal incidents as explained by the senior inspector.

By Brunei Workplace Safety and Health Order 2009, that it is the duty of occupiers and employers to observe safety and health on the worksite and of its employees. This is clearly stipulated under Sections 11 and 12 of the Workplace, Safety and Health Order, 2009 Brunei At the same time the Brunei Workplace Safety and Health Order 2009 also states that employees also have a responsibility to comply with the rules and regulations, failing which, they would also be liable to punishments under Section 15 of the same Order.

During the seminar the , Safety and Environment (HSE) General Manager of Brunei Methanol Company Sdn Bhd Health, Pengiran Mohd Supri bin Pengiran Haji Chuchu said human behaviour is the main contributing factor in hazards or incidents.