The Parliament passed the Machinery (Repeal) Act 2022 [Act 835] on March 16, 2022, marking a significant legislative development in the realm of occupational safety and health.
In response to the enactment of this Act, the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) has taken proactive measures to ensure a seamless transition by formulating new subsidiary legislation under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) [Act 514].
This initiative aims to replace the outdated subsidiary legislation previously associated with the repealed Act, thereby facilitating the smooth implementation of regulatory provisions and system enhancements.
On April 2, 2024, the Minister of Human Resources, Steven Sim Chee Keong took a decisive step by signing a notice for the Date of Commencement of Acts 835 and A1648.
Additionally, the Minister endorsed two (2) notices pertaining to new subsidiary legislation, specifically the Occupational Safety and Health (Qualification Certification Plant) Regulations 2024 and the Occupational Safety and Health (Licensed Person) Order 2024.
The culmination of these efforts was the publication of all relevant legislation in the Gazette by the Attorney General’s Department on April 2, 2024. It is anticipated that these regulatory changes will take effect on June 1, 2024, signaling a new chapter in the landscape of occupational safety and health regulations.
The Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR) in a statement today (Apr 4) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the well-being and safety of workers across various industries, underscoring the importance of these legislative reforms in upholding standards and protecting workers’ rights.
