AP Ukhwah
Agensi Pekerjaan Ukhwah Sdn Bhd
8B, Jln Nirwana 1, Taman Nirwana,
68000 Ampang,
Selangor, Malaysia
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA Malaysia) oversees workplace safety laws under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (Act 514). Following the OSHA Amendments 2022 (Act A1648), effective 1 June 2024, the Act now covers all workplaces, including the public sector. It strengthens employer obligations, introduces mandatory risk assessments, and enforces stricter penalties for non-compliance.
Akta Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan 1994 (Pindaan 2022) yang dikuatkuasakan oleh Jabatan Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan (DOSH Malaysia) memperluaskan skop kepada semua tempat kerja termasuk sektor awam, menegaskan tanggungjawab majikan, serta mengenakan penalti lebih tinggi bagi ketidakpatuhan terhadap keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan.
Compliance with Malaysia’s Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSHA 1994) — and the latest Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) Act 2022 (Act A1648) — is now mandatory for all employers and industries in Malaysia. Overseen by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH Malaysia), also known as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, this law extends employer obligations to all workplaces and employees, including contract, gig, and remote workers.
Employers are also encouraged to align with related frameworks such as the Akta 446 – Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act and Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) standards to ensure comprehensive corporate compliance, worker welfare, and ESG alignment.
The OSHA Amendments 2022 expand employer responsibility to cover every type of worker, including contractors and gig workers. Employers must establish safe work systems, conduct risk assessments, and appoint competent safety officers in accordance with DOSH requirements.
Ensures protection against occupational injuries, diseases, and psychosocial risks. Promotes employee wellbeing, mental health support, and ergonomic workplace design for sustainable productivity.
Strengthens DOSH Malaysia’s inspection and enforcement powers under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration framework. Non-compliance can result in penalties up to RM500,000, imprisonment, or business suspension.
Promotes the implementation of Safety and Health Management Systems (SHMS) aligned with ISO 45001:2018. Embedding OSHA principles into daily operations enhances hazard control and long-term business continuity.
Adhering to OSHA 1994 strengthens your company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance, builds investor confidence, and demonstrates ethical responsibility toward workers and stakeholders.
A compliant and safety-focused organization fosters higher employee morale, retention, and trust. Shared commitment to occupational health and safety drives a culture of continuous improvement.
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Get Free OSHA Compliance ConsultationThis checklist helps Malaysian employers, HR managers, and safety officers assess compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSHA 1994) and the 2022 Amendment. It supports self-audit readiness before DOSH inspections and ensures your workplace meets all safety, documentation, and reporting standards.
| # | Compliance Requirement | Action / Documentation Needed | Status (✔ / ✖) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Legal Responsibilities & Governance | |||
| 1.1 | OSHA Policy Statement displayed at the workplace | Signed by top management and dated | |
| 1.2 | Registered with DOSH as a workplace under OSHA | DOSH registration certificate | |
| 1.3 | Appointed Safety and Health Officer (SHO) or Coordinator (for SMEs) | Copy of registration and competency certificate | |
| 1.4 | Safety and Health Committee established (where ≥40 workers) | Meeting minutes and committee structure chart | |
| 2. Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment & Control (HIRARC) | |||
| 2.1 | HIRARC conducted for all work processes | Documented HIRARC reports | |
| 2.2 | Emergency response plan (ERP) and fire drill implemented | Emergency procedure posters and drill records | |
| 2.3 | First aid equipment and trained personnel available | First aid box checklist and training certificate | |
| 3. Safety Training & Awareness | |||
| 3.1 | Conduct regular safety briefings and toolbox meetings | Attendance logs and training materials | |
| 3.2 | Provide induction for new employees and contractors | Signed induction checklist | |
| 3.3 | Specialized training for high-risk jobs (e.g., confined space, LOTO) | Competency certificates and training records | |
| 4. Incident Reporting & Medical Surveillance | |||
| 4.1 | All workplace accidents reported to DOSH via Form JKKP 6 & 8 | Copies of submitted reports | |
| 4.2 | Medical surveillance for workers exposed to hazards | Reports from registered occupational health doctors | |
| 4.3 | Maintain accident and near-miss register | Incident logbook updated monthly | |
| 5. Worker Wellbeing & Welfare (Aligned with Akta 446) | |||
| 5.1 | Provide clean and adequate housing and sanitation | Hostel license (if applicable) under Akta 446 | |
| 5.2 | Access to safe drinking water and welfare facilities | Facility inspection checklist | |
| 5.3 | Implement mental health and stress management support | Awareness posters, counselling records | |
| 6. Documentation & Continuous Improvement | |||
| 6.1 | Maintain OSHA compliance file with all records updated | Index of safety files | |
| 6.2 | Annual safety audit or internal review conducted | Audit report and corrective action plan | |
| 6.3 | Display emergency contacts and DOSH hotline at site | Poster and signage verification | |
This checklist is for educational and compliance awareness purposes. Always verify with the latest DOSH Malaysia circulars and OSHA guidelines.
OSHA 1994 compliance reflects your commitment to ethical employment, worker wellbeing, and sustainable business practices. Let’s make every workplace a safe one.
Talk to a Compliance SpecialistAnswers to common questions about workplace safety and employer obligations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) Malaysia.