PTP and NIOSH tie-up to build safety programme for port workers

PELABUHAN Tanjung Pelepas Sdn Bhd (PTP), a member of MMC Group, has signed a deal with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to set up a complete safety training programme for port workers.

MMC said in a statement that the programme is aimed at developing the practice of safety-first and provide basic occupational safety and health (OSH) training for workers on the hazards and risks present in the port industry.

The programme, which requires workers to learn prior to their entry into the industry, will provide insights on OSH legal requirements, as well as PTP’s health, safety and environmental (HSE) requirements and expectations.

NIOSH chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said more employers are taking a dynamic step in engaging with NIOSH to find ways to lessen the number of industrial accidents and to achieve the goal of zero accidents at their workplaces.

“Globalisation, intense competition and technological progress had drastically changed the working environment that led to new workplace hazards and risks.

“Therefore, employees, employers and the enforcement authorities must always be prepared to face new threats that could affect workers’ safety and health, as well as being environmentally conscious,” he said.

Lee added that strong commitment and support is needed from all the employers and workers to achieve this.

Meanwhile, PTP CEO Marco Neelsen said PTP is focused on providing visible assurance, leadership and full involvement in HSE to create the safest work environments.

“Safety is the key value we hold in everything we do in PTP, for our own employees, our contractors, the customers we serve, and the local and extended communities in the areas we operate in,” he added.

PTP is a wholly owned subsidiary of MMC Corp Bhd and is grouped under MMC Port Holdings Sdn Bhd, which operates the largest container terminal in Malaysia.