Niosh: Hasten implementation of mental health care policy for employees
The Star Online, 18 February 2014 - by Magdalene Luis
MALACCA: The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh) has urged the Government to expedite the introduction of guidelines under the mental health care policy for employees.
The mental health care policy is aimed at reducing the increasing number of employees who are likely to suffer anxiety, depression and mental stress due to job pressure.
Niosh's chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the guidelines would enable the implementation of basic measures to be adopted by employers.
"In order to promote mental health care activities at workplaces, it is important to fully understand from various viewpoints the aspects of stress factors that affect mental health so that they can be addressed effectively," he said after launching a mental health seminar for employees at a hotel in Ayer Keroh, here, on Tuesday.
He said employers should utilise the Safety and Health committees at workplaces to examine and identify the current mental health of their employees and promote mental health care measures.
He said employers should consider the specific nature of mental health problems, the consideration of individual worker privacy, and formulate a fundamental programme on mental wellbeing for employees.
Lee also called upon the Government to upgrade the Mental Health Unit under the Health Ministry to offer more care to those suffering mental stress.
"It's imperative to ensure the well-being of workers and their families by promoting good mental health in workplaces.
"It has to be stressed that a healthy and educated workforce will ensure improved productivity at all workplaces," he added.
