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With the enforcement of the Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) Act 2022, the role of the OSH Coordinator has become increasingly significant—especially for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This article provides an up-to-date overview of the OSH Coordinator’s responsibilities, legal requirements, training pathways, and the importance of this position in promoting safer workplaces across Malaysia.
1. Legal Basis and Mandatory Requirements
1. Legal Basis and Mandatory Requirements
Under Section 29A of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (as amended), any workplace employing five or more workers is required to appoint a trained OSH Coordinator. This provision applies mainly to non–high-risk sectors, while high-risk workplaces continue to comply with more stringent safety officer requirements.
Failure to appoint an OSH Coordinator can result in serious penalties, including fines up to RM50,000 or imprisonment up to six months.
This mandate aims to strengthen the safety culture within SMEs, which constitute over 97% of Malaysian businesses and are often challenged by limited safety resources and expertise.
2. Why OSH Coordinators Are Crucial for Malaysian Workplaces
2. Why OSH Coordinators Are Crucial for Malaysian Workplaces
The OSH Amendment Act 2022 emphasizes preventive measures and proactive risk management, positioning OSH Coordinators as frontline contributors to workplace safety. SMEs often struggle with issues such as lack of OSH knowledge, minimal safety commitment, and absence of designated safety personnel. OSH Coordinators help bridge these gaps by introducing structure, documentation, and monitoring mechanisms.
Their role enhances:
Compliance with Malaysian OSH laws
Accident prevention and hazard identification
Communication between management and workers
Implementation of OSH programs
Overall safety culture and employee wellbeing
3. Core Responsibilities of an OSH Coordinator
3. Core Responsibilities of an OSH Coordinator
According to DOSH‑approved training frameworks and OSH guidelines, an OSH Coordinator typically performs the following duties:
3.1 Hazard and Risk Management
3.1 Hazard and Risk Management
3.2 Safety Documentation and Reporting
3.2 Safety Documentation and Reporting
3.3 Emergency and Incident Management
3.3 Emergency and Incident Management
Develop basic emergency response plans.
Report and investigate workplace incidents.
3.4 Safety Training and Awareness
3.4 Safety Training and Awareness
3.5 Regulatory Compliance
3.5 Regulatory Compliance
Ensure adherence to OSHA 1994 and related regulations.
Foster communication with DOSH when required.
4. Training and Certification for OSH Coordinators
4. Training and Certification for OSH Coordinators
To comply with the law, OSH Coordinators must undergo DOSH‑approved training. Several providers across Malaysia offer accredited programs with structured modules.
4.1 Training Requirements
4.1 Training Requirements
Training prepares participants to:
Understand OSH legal duties
Perform risk assessments
Maintain OSH documentation
4.2 Training Providers and Locations
4.2 Training Providers and Locations
We, SNS ACADEMY (M) SDN. BHD. is one of the DOSH-accredited training providers.
3 days training combining theoretical and practical OSH knowledge
5. The Growing Importance of DOSH-Approved OSH Coordinators
5. The Growing Importance of DOSH-Approved OSH Coordinators
A DOSH-approved OSH Coordinator is recognized as competent and equipped to manage OSH matters effectively. This recognition enhances organizational credibility and reduces liability risks.
In Malaysia’s evolving safety landscape, particularly within SMEs and medium-risk industries, OSH Coordinators serve as the essential link between employers, employees, and safety regulators. They play a heavy role in:
Reducing workplace accidents
Ensuring legal compliance
Standardizing OSH practices
Promoting sustainable safety culture
6. Conclusion
6. Conclusion
With the introduction of mandatory OSH Coordinator requirements under the OSH Amendment Act 2022, Malaysia continues to push for safer working environments—especially among SMEs, which make up the backbone of the nation’s economy. By appointing trained and DOSH‑approved OSH Coordinators, organizations not only comply with the law but also invest in long-term workforce safety, productivity, and wellbeing.
These coordinators act as catalysts for change, ensuring that safety is not merely a legal formality but a practiced culture embedded into the daily operations of every Malaysian workplace.
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