What Is DOSH?
Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), also known as Jabatan Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan (JKKP), is a government department under the Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia.
Its primary mission is simple:
To protect the safety, health, and welfare of workers in Malaysia.
DOSH ensures that workplaces including factories, construction sites, hotels, offices, restaurants, industrial plants, and workshops operate safely and comply with Malaysian occupational safety laws.
Laws Enforced by DOSH
DOSH enforces key workplace safety legislation in Malaysia, including:
- Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSHA 1994 / Act 514)
- Factories and Machinery Act 1967 (FMA 1967 / Act 139)
Under these laws, employers are legally required to:
- Provide a safe working environment
- Conduct safety training
- Supply appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Ensure machinery and equipment are properly maintained
- Manage workplace hazards
Failure to comply may result in fines, penalties, prosecution, or worksite closure.
Scope of DOSH’s Responsibilities
DOSH oversees multiple areas of occupational safety:
1. Occupational Safety
Monitoring workplace safety practices and compliance standards.
2. Occupational Health
Managing exposure to:
- Hazardous chemicals
- Excessive noise
- Heat stress
- Industrial vibrations
3. Machinery & Equipment Safety
Approving and inspecting industrial equipment.
4. Chemical Safety Management
Regulating hazardous substances under occupational health regulations.
5. Construction Safety
Ensuring compliance for scaffolding, cranes, gondolas, and work-at-height activities.
6. Enforcement & Accident Investigation
DOSH conducts:
- Workplace inspections
- Compliance audits
- Investigation of industrial accidents
In cases involving explosions, industrial fires, gas poisoning, or fatal falls, DOSH leads official investigations to determine root causes and liability.
Core Roles of DOSH
Ensuring Workplace Safety
DOSH ensures employers:
- Follow safety procedures and regulations
- Provide PPE such as helmets, gloves, and masks
- Implement emergency response plans
- Conduct safety training programs
The goal is to reduce workplace accidents and occupational injuries.
Regulating High-Risk Machinery & Equipment
Certain machinery must be registered and inspected before use, including:
- Boilers
- Pressure vessels
- Air receiver tanks
- Forklifts and cranes
- Steam generators
These machines cannot legally operate without inspection and approval from DOSH.
Approving Competent Persons (CP)
DOSH certifies and regulates qualified technical professionals such as:
- Boilermen
- Steam Engineers
- Construction Safety Supervisors
- Chemical Health Assessors (CHA)
- Authorized Gas Testers
This ensures only trained and certified individuals handle high-risk industrial operations.
How DOSH Is Connected to MyKKP
MyKKP is the official digital platform used by DOSH for regulatory management.
Through MyKKP, businesses and professionals can:
- Apply for Competent Person certification
- Register high-risk machinery
- Schedule inspections
- Submit documentation
- Make official payments online
MyKKP streamlines safety administration, improves transparency, and centralizes compliance data.
Why Understanding DOSH Is Important
Understanding DOSH’s role helps businesses:
✔ Know why certain documents are required
✔ Avoid application errors
✔ Prepare properly for inspections
✔ Comply with workplace safety laws
✔ Reduce risk of penalties and shutdowns
DOSH is not merely an enforcement agency, it exists to prevent workplace injuries, fatalities, and industrial disasters.
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What Is DOSH? Roles, Functions & Responsibilities in Malaysia