Employers urged to reduce outdoor work as haze intensifies
PETALING JAYA: With the haze worsening, employers are being urged to act to protect staff, especially those who work outdoors, by cutting back outdoor tasks and supplying suitable respiratory protection.
Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) Government, Media and International Engagement senior adviser Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said employers have a statutory duty under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 to ensure, so far as is practicable, the safety, health and welfare of their employees at work.
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He added that haze-related risks should be addressed through preventive measures, regular air quality monitoring and timely adjustments to work arrangements.
“Employers should not wait until air quality deteriorates significantly before taking action,” he said, emphasising that monitoring the Air Pollutant Index (API), identifying vulnerable employees as well as implementing appropriate precautions could help reduce exposure risks.
Syed Hussain recommended that employers monitor API readings regularly through the Environment Department Air Pollutant Index Management System and use the information to guide decisions on outdoor work, physically demanding activities, protective equipment as well as other operational adjustments.
He added that employers should reduce or suspend strenuous outdoor activities as air quality worsens, with further restrictions at very unhealthy or hazardous API levels based on risk assessments and official guidance.
He also urged employers to improve indoor air quality by ensuring air-conditioning and ventilation systems are properly maintained, as well as ensuring filtration systems are serviced when necessary.
“Where appropriate, measures should be taken to minimise the entry of polluted outdoor air while maintaining adequate indoor air quality.
“For workplaces where exposure to haze cannot be adequately avoided, employers should provide suitable respiratory protection based on the level of risk and nature of the work.”
Syed Hussain said employers should provide properly fitted N95 respirators or equivalent protection where necessary, as cloth and surgical masks offer less protection against fine particles.
He also called on employers to take additional precautions for workers more susceptible to the effects of haze, including those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, older employees as well as pregnant workers.
He added that employers should consider moving vulnerable employees to indoor duties and offering flexible working arrangements or temporary work-from-home options where feasible to reduce haze exposure while maintaining operations.
He emphasised that the risks faced by office employees could differ considerably from those encountered by construction workers, security personnel and employees performing outdoor maintenance, making it necessary for employers to tailor their responses to actual workplace conditions.
“Employers should use the API Action Matrix as a practical reference when determining suitable workplace safety and health measures according to air quality conditions.
“Employers should also refer to relevant guidelines and official advisories issued by the Environment Department, Occupational Safety and Health Department and the Health Ministry when assessing haze-related risks and deciding whether outdoor work should be reduced, modified or temporarily suspended.”
Syed Hussain said decisions to continue, modify or suspend work should be supported by appropriate risk assessments and necessary preventive measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of employees.