What are employer duties under OSHA 1994?
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994, employers in Malaysia have a general duty to ensure, so far as is practicable, the safety, health and welfare of their employees at work. This covers safe plant and systems of work, information and training, a safe workplace, a written safety policy and care for others affected.
Short course with a Certifyd certificate of completion. Not a DOSH or NIOSH competency certification.
What is the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994?
The Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (Act 514) is Malaysia's main law on safety, health and welfare at work. It sets general duties for employers, the self-employed, employees, designers, manufacturers and suppliers, and it is supported by regulations and codes of practice.
The Act was amended by the Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) Act 2022, which came into force on 1 June 2024 and widened its coverage and duties. Read the current consolidated text on Laws of Malaysia and guidance from the Department of Occupational Safety and Health.
This page is a general overview, not legal advice.
What are the employer's general duties?
The employer's core duty is to ensure, so far as is practicable, the safety, health and welfare of all employees at work. In general terms, the Act expects employers to provide:
- Plant and systems of work that are safe and without risks to health
- Safe arrangements for using, handling, storing and transporting plant and substances
- Information, instruction, training and supervision
- A safe workplace, with safe ways in and out
- A working environment and welfare facilities that are safe and adequate
The exact wording and any related regulations are in the Act on Laws of Malaysia. The Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994: Employer Responsibilities & Compliance course covers these duties in practice.
What else does the Act expect from employers?
Beyond the general duty, the Act expects employers to put their commitment in writing and to protect people who are not their employees. It also sets up structures for consultation.
The current requirements, including which workplaces need a committee and what the 2022 amendment added, are in the Act on Laws of Malaysia. Check them against your own workplace.
| Duty | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| Safety and health policy | A written policy, with the arrangements to carry it out, brought to employees' attention |
| Care for non-employees | Contractors, visitors and the public are not put at risk by the work |
| Safety and health committee | Set up where the Act requires it, to review measures and consult employees |
| Accident notification | Report accidents, dangerous occurrences and occupational diseases as required |
What does a safety and health committee do?
A safety and health committee brings management and employee representatives together to review safety measures, investigate incidents and raise concerns. It works best with regular meetings, clear minutes and actions that are followed up.
Whether your workplace must have one, and how it is formed, is set by the Act and its regulations; check them on Laws of Malaysia. The Safety and Health Committee: Roles, Responsibilities & Management course covers how to run a committee well.
Where should an employer start?
Start by finding out what could harm people in your workplace and what you already do about it. A structured HIRARC gives you that picture and a list of actions.
- Read the current Act and any regulations for your industry.
- Write or update your safety and health policy.
- Carry out and record a risk assessment, as explained in the guide What is HIRARC and how do you do it?
- Train and inform employees on the risks and controls.
- Set up consultation, including a committee where required.
- Review after incidents and changes.
Completing a course builds knowledge but does not give any statutory competency or registration.
Where can you go next?
Courses, checks and reading on the same work.Frequently asked questions.
Short answers to what people ask first.Does OSHA 1994 apply to offices?
The 2022 amendment widened the Act's coverage, so many more workplaces, including offices, now fall within it. Check the current scope on Laws of Malaysia for your own workplace.
What does so far as is practicable mean?
It means the employer weighs the severity of the hazard and risk, what is known about it, the ways to remove or reduce it, and their availability and cost. The Act defines the term; read the definition on Laws of Malaysia.
Do employees have duties under the Act too?
Yes. In general terms, employees must take reasonable care of themselves and others, cooperate with the employer on safety, and use the protective equipment provided. The exact duties are in the Act.
Is this page legal advice?
No. It is a general overview to help you understand the Act. For your own obligations, read the current text on Laws of Malaysia and take professional advice.
Which sources does this page use?
Updated 20 October 2026. General information from the Certifyd team, not legal, tax or safety advice for your workplace.