Chemicals are used widely throughout the world, including Malaysia, as they could improve our daily lives and provide us with a lot of benefits. From the economic point of view, the chemical industry in Malaysia experienced a growth in export of 23.8% in year 2010 compared to 2009, giving a total export amount of RM 40.82 billion. This amount contributes 6.4% of Malaysia’s total export in 2010. Meanwhile, imports on chemicals into the country were also significant in which it contributes 8.6% to the country’s total import (RM 45.3 billion).

Although they offer improvements to our daily lives, some chemicals do pose certain threats to the safety and health of humans as well as the environment. Figures obtained from the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) Malaysia indicated an increase from 35 to 102 cases of occupational diseases that are associated with exposure to chemicals hazardous to health between the year 2007 and 2009. Compensations that were paid out to affected workers during that period were also significant as the amount increased from approximately RM 25,000 in 2007 to RM 260,000 in 2009.

A few examples of chemicals that are claimed to be hazardous to health through research are asbestos, benzene and formaldehyde. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the EPA, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have all classified asbestos as a known cancer causing chemical to humans. Asbestos is widely used in Malaysia as construction/roofing material, exposing and risking a substantial number of industrial workers to diseases such as lung cancer and asbestosis. Benzene, used to produce polymers and plastics, is also another chemical that is classified as carcinogenic by the aforementioned agencies. Another chemical recently classified as carcinogen by IARC is formaldehyde, a chemical widely used as adhesives in Malaysia. The number of workers involved in the manufacturing and handling of these types of chemicals is substantial and therefore their welfare need to be taken care of.

This is where we, Department of Occupational Safety and Health, come into the picture of protecting workers as well as the public indirectly. Any occupational safety and health issues associated with chemicals can be minimized greatly through proper management and usage of chemicals. On top of that, the government, through our Department is enforcing related legislations and issuing guidelines to ensure safe use of chemicals at workplaces. The specific regulations and accompanying guidelines are listed below and further information regarding the each topic can be accessed through the respective hyperlinks.