A safe and healthy work environment not only protects the well-being of our workforce, but is a fundamental pillar of national progress, economic prosperity and social stability. By fostering a strong and continuous safety culture, we can strengthen the foundation for producing a highly productive workforce and building a healthier and more resilient society for generations to come. Therefore, the Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister of Defence, as the Minister responsible for the Safety, Health and Environment National Authority, SHENA, stressed that it is important to acknowledge that a country that protects its workers, is protecting its future. Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Retired Major General Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, explained the matter in a Message in conjunction with the World Day For Safety And Health At Work 2026.

Yang Berhormat added that psychosocial hazards are a multi-dimensional issue and can result from excessive workload, unsatisfactory work environment, unclear roles and job expectations, concerns over career progression, job security, workplace conflict or harassment, and ongoing challenges in balancing professional and family responsibilities.

To effectively address these challenges, employers, employees, human resources officers and Safety, Health and Environment officers need to move from a reactive approach to a proactive, preventive and systematic approach. This includes creating a work environment that not only protects workers from harm, but also empowers them to thrive. This year's theme, “Good Psychosocial Working Environments: A Pathway to Thriving Workers and Strong Organisations," emphasises that mental wellbeing is a fundamental right, not a privilege.