By Peter Zeter
CS: Good morning and thank you for taking the time to be with us. Can you introduce yourself a little?
Thank you for inviting me to this interview. My name is Robert Sopining and I am from Kg Natai, Telipok and is currently residing in Kg Sugud, Penampang. I am married and now have two children. Regarding my work background before I established my own company, I worked at Outward Bound School, then at Monfort Training Centre, and lastly as the Safety Manager in Sabah Air. In 2018, I decided to establish my own company, G-Team Training, which focuses on team-building training and occupational safety and health consulting.
CS: Can you explain about Occupational Safety and Health?
It refers to the measures, rules, and practices planned within an organization to protect the safety, health, and welfare of all employees in an organization. In the context of the workplace, it is also often referred to as protecting workers’ rights against any physical injuries and in any hazardous situations.
CS: In your opinion, does this matter favour the employees or the employers more?
If we consider the rights of employees or the rights of employers, we can refer this in the Occupational Safety and Health Act, OSHA 1994 (Amendment) 2022, pertaining to the obligations of employees and employers. Both parties have their respective responsibilities. If we look at the advantages, both parties have their own pros and cons. For the workers, they can protect their health and lives from potential dangers in the workplace. For example, if there is a risk of accidents or occupational diseases, it can be avoided by implementing the concept of occupational safety and health in the workplace. Secondly, from the employees’ perspective, it refers to the trust and job satisfaction at the workplace or the employer’s company. If employees are in a safe and healthy workplace, it can enhance safety and mental well-being and simultaneously increase their trust in the employer.
Regarding the rights and welfare of a worker, the implementation and safety measures often ensure that workers receive fair treatment and their rights are respected, referring to a safe working environment.
For employers, the benefit is that it can increase the productivity of a company. One of the employer’s duties is to ensure, as far as practicable, the safety, health, and welfare of employees, which is the employer’s primary obligation. If the concept of safety and health is truly implemented, it reduces injuries and accidents in the workplace, this will simultaneously increase employee productivity and allow them to focus more on their respective jobs. Next, by reducing risks and liabilities through ensuring compliance with regulations, employers can avoid legal claims in the event of any injuries or accidents at the workplace. If there is a system established at the workplace, such as standard operating procedures (SOP) and risk management, which can be a liability to the employer, the existence of the system can facilitate insurance claims.
In my opinion, when employers implement workplace safety and health management, it can create a positive image for the company. Employers who prioritize safety are often seen as more responsible and trustworthy, which can attract job seekers to work for the company and draw more customers to the business.
CS: How do the relevant parties respond or react to this matter?
In terms of the reception from workers and employers, it is generally positive because when I organize or am invited to provide a training, they realize that both parties will be affected if incidents like accidents occur, as they will face fines. This is because this matter is subject to regulations set by the Government under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The response so far has been good, but in my opinion, this matter should be further strengthened with efforts to raise overall awareness, not just in the industrial sector but by expanding its scope to various sectors. If we look at it now, many companies do not prioritize occupational health and safety. Perhaps due to lack of information. So for me personally, this is a challenge and to address it, awareness campaigns need to be increased in collaboration with various parties related to occupational safety and health issues.
CS: As a consultant in this matter and as a Catholic, how do you see your role?
As a Catholic, for me, the Catholic Church’s approach to labour issues is very profound and spiritual in nature. This is because the Church teaches that work is not merely an economic tool but also a spiritual calling. In this regard, workers can also be seen as partners of God, that is, co-workers in continuing the work of creation. Each of us is endowed with our own abilities, we possess certain talents, for example, the job and efforts I have now. I see it as a personal and special gift. So work is an instrument or tool to appreciate the gifts that God has given us and at the same time, a way to contribute to the well-being of society and the world. The Catholic Church also reminds us that work can be a tool through which humans can work with the spirit of Christ, bringing spiritual values into the realm of work. This approach elevates the dignity of workers and gives a deeper meaning to each person’s work.
CS: What is your personal message to fellow workers or employers?
From my observation based on the current situation, where businesses are expanding, some are just starting, and some are at the early stage of planning, it is important in the workplace to reduce injuries and accidents, which in turn can reassure employees and thus increase job productivity. The most important thing is, it enhances the image of a company, thereby strengthening its competitive value as a company and opens opportunities for collaboration or investment from other parties.
