TLDR:

• Brunei has established strong legislative frameworks for occupational health, including the Workplace Safety and Health Order 2009.

• SHENA, established in 2018, provides essential guidance and resources for improving workplace conditions in Brunei.

• The Ministry of Health offers comprehensive occupational health services, including medical surveillance and fitness assessments.

• Education initiatives, such as the Micro-Masters in Occupational Health and Safety, are enhancing the capability of medical professionals to manage occupational health.

• Ongoing research and international collaboration are vital for advancing occupational health practices.

• The hierarchy of controls—from elimination to PPE—is crucial for managing occupational health risks effectively.

• Under-reporting of occupational diseases is a significant challenge, influenced by diagnostic difficulties and a lack of perceived reporting benefits.

• Improved reporting systems and policy interventions are needed to enhance workplace safety and mitigate the impact of occupational diseases on society.

May 1st, 2024 – At the 2024 Workplace Safety & Health Conference, Dr. Yusma Jeffrin bin Dato Hj Md Yusof, a Senior Medical Officer from Brunei's Ministry of Health, delivered an insightful presentation titled "Invisible Threats - Managing Occupational Health Risks." Dr. Yusof's talk highlighted the significant strides made in occupational health within Brunei, as well as the challenges that remain.

Legislative and Institutional Frameworks

Dr. Jeffrin began by outlining the legislative framework that supports occupational health in Brunei, particularly referencing the Workplace Safety and Health Order 2009 and its subsidiary regulations. The establishment of SHENA in 2018 marked a significant milestone, providing guidance and resources to improve workplace conditions in the country.

Health Services and Education

The Ministry of Health plays a pivotal role by offering comprehensive occupational health services, including medical and workplace surveillance. This is crucial for the early detection and management of occupational diseases. Dr. Jeffrin also emphasized the importance of educational initiatives, such as the Micro-Masters of Occupational Health and Safety introduced by the University of Brunei Darussalam, aimed at equipping medical professionals with the necessary skills to recognize and diagnose occupational diseases.

Research and International Collaboration

Continued research and international collaborations are integral to advancing occupational health practices. These efforts help understand the complex interactions between worker health, work conditions, and safety regulations, ultimately leading to better management strategies.

Managing Health Risks through Controls

Dr. Jeffrin detailed how occupational health risks are managed through the hierarchy of controls, from elimination and substitution to engineering and administrative controls, and finally, personal protective equipment (PPE). These controls are essential for mitigating risks in the workplace, such as heat stress or chemical exposures.

Challenges of Under-Reporting

One of the significant challenges highlighted by Dr. Jeffrin is the under-reporting of occupational diseases, which hampers effective response and policy-making. Factors contributing to under-reporting include the difficulty in diagnosing these conditions and linking them to work processes, as well as a lack of perceived benefit among physicians for reporting.

Need for Improved Reporting and Policy Interventions

To counter the invisibility of occupational threats, Dr. Jeffrin called for improved reporting systems and targeted policy interventions. This would not only enhance workplace safety but also reduce the societal and familial impact of occupational diseases.

Dr. Jeffrin's presentation at the conference served as a crucial reminder of the ongoing challenges in occupational health, despite significant legislative and institutional advancements. As occupational diseases remain largely invisible threats, enhancing awareness, reporting, and intervention strategies is essential for safeguarding worker health in Brunei and beyond. His insights underscore the necessity for a continued focus on occupational health as a fundamental component of public health strategy.