Occupational Accidents in Forestry and Agricultural Sectors in Malaysia

Abstract

The forestry and agriculture sector is the second dangerous industry after the manufacturing sector. By years, fatal death, permanent disability (PD) and non-permanent disability (NPD) accident cases were reported to DOSH and SOCSO include incidents involving activities in the agriculture and forestry sectors. This paper aimed to discover the frequency and trend of workplace accidents from 2016 to 2020. The database used was documents and reports from government and private agencies including from the Social Security Organization (SOCSO), Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), as well as information from journals and newspaper reports. The trend of workplace accidents showed an increasing pattern within 5 years. Based on the analysis, 14.4% of total workplace accidents reported in Malaysia was from the forestry and agriculture sector. On average, 778 accident cases were reported per year, majorly non-permanent disability cases (93.9%), 1.9% of permanent disability and 4% of death cases. The findings of this study are expected to be useful to all relevant authorities in the decision-making process and strategic plans specifically for the agriculture and forestry sectors in mitigating and reducing workplace hazards and injuries