TLDR:

• PERKESO emphasizes prevention as the best form of social security, shifting focus from compensation to proactive safety measures.

• Workplace accident rates in Malaysia declined due to advancements in machine safety and safe work systems but have plateaued in recent years.

• Vision Zero transforms safety culture by asserting that all workplace accidents are preventable, not inevitable.

• The initiative promotes a process-oriented approach to safety, integrating health and well-being into workplace practices.

• Vision Zero involves seven golden rules that include leadership commitment and comprehensive hazard identification.

• Since its global launch, over 10,000 companies have adopted Vision Zero, demonstrating its scalability and effectiveness.

• Successful implementations of Vision Zero can be seen in diverse sectors and regions, enhancing global workplace safety standards.

April 30ᵗʰ, 2024 – At the 2024 Workplace Safety & Health Conference, Dr. Hj. Azlan bin Darus of PERKESO, Malaysia, provided a detailed exposition on the adoption and impact of the Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate workplace accidents. His insights offer a comprehensive understanding of shifting from reactive safety measures to a culture of proactive prevention.

Reevaluating the Approach to Workplace Safety

Historically, social security in Malaysia primarily addressed compensation after workplace accidents. However, Dr. Azlan emphasized that the best form of social security is preventing these incidents in the first place. This proactive approach has led PERKESO to invest heavily in preventive measures rather than merely being a compensatory body.

The Historical Decline and Plateau in Accident Rates

Dr. Azlan presented data showing a global and national decline in workplace accidents from the 1980s to the early 2000s, attributed to advancements in machine safety and the establishment of safe work systems, including standards like ISO 45001. Despite these improvements, the decline in accident rates plateaued in the last decade, indicating a new challenge in further reducing these numbers.

Breaking the Barrier with Vision Zero

The concept of Vision Zero, introduced at the 2014 World Congress of Safety and Health, pivots from the belief that accidents are inevitable to a philosophy where every accident is deemed preventable. Dr. Azlan articulated that this shift requires viewing safety and health not merely as regulatory compliance but as integral to workplace culture.

Vision Zero's Philosophy and Implementation

Vision Zero is not just a target but a process. It's a belief system that empowers employees and employers to embrace safety and health as core values. This global movement encourages the implementation of 'seven golden rules', which include leadership commitment, hazard identification, and defining safety targets. These principles help embed safety deeply into organizational culture, ensuring that it becomes second nature.

Global Adoption and Success Stories

Since its global launch in 2017, Vision Zero has seen significant uptake, with over 10,000 companies worldwide adopting its framework. Dr. Azlan highlighted successful implementations, particularly in agricultural sectors in Poland and safety initiatives in African and Asian countries. This widespread adoption underscores the effectiveness of the Vision Zero approach in diverse industries and cultural contexts.

Looking Forward

Dr. Azlan’s presentation at the ICC underlined the importance of evolving safety practices to meet the modern challenges posed by workplace environments. As companies globally strive to enhance worker well-being and safety, the Vision Zero initiative stands as a testament to the power of preventive culture and the potential for a future where workplace accidents are a thing of the past.

This case study from Malaysia not only sheds light on the significant strides made in occupational safety but also serves as an inspiring blueprint for other nations aiming to realize the goal of zero workplace accidents.

Resources: https://visionzero.global/all-documents...