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Some 39.9 per cent of the workforce in Brunei Darussalam comprises women, according to the data from the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics. However, based on the data gathered by the Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA) to date, only 21 per cent of workplace safety and health (WSH) officers and 16 per cent of WSH co-ordinators registered at SHENA are females. In light of the minor female representation in the field of WSH, Acting Interim Chief Executive Officer of SHENA Haji Mohd Yusof bin Haji Mohd Taufik in his welcoming remarks at the forum ‘Empowering Women in Safety and Health’ said adequate representation of women in safety and health departments and committees is crucial in ensuring ample safety and health protection of women. He cited an example of the inclusion of female staff as part of the risk management team to develop a comprehensive risk assessment which takes into consideration the associated hazards, risks and necessary controls for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women. Haji Mohd Yusof also noted that the Workplace Safety and Health Order 2009 as well as Chapter 228 of the Radiation Protection Act are in place to ensure the general safety and health protection of all workers. He said, “However, in compliance with these laws, employers should still conduct their due diligence to ensure their safety and health management systems, procedures and initiatives are gender inclusive. ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/SOcOu885slNmrtMVXrx4c-qdfjU8jxbXWG92PS_rBh7.jpeg) ABOVE & BELOW: Acting Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA) Haji Mohd Yusof bin Haji Mohd Taufik; and Permanent Secretary (Energy) at the Prime Minister’s Office Hajah Farida binti Dato Seri Paduka Haji Talib. PHOTO: JAMES KON ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/rly3mQP3Bk04R8uwOgIJv-PocuBiCFThPRcMRW2rV_I.jpeg) PHOTO: JAMES KON ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/feX3v0Ex-ZPp5RLCEq989-EmS3QylETvGt54CpvvLZk.jpeg) ABOVE & BELOW: SHENA officer Nurul Zakiah binti Hj Md Taib delivers a presentation on ‘Women Inclusivity in Compliance with the Workplace Safety and Health Order, 2009’; and attendees at the forum. PHOTO: JAMES KON ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/itKmKkfWqDBP7glGAw1lg-AySXYR2wfwG7CrQCZoPXK.jpeg) PHOTO: JAMES KON “An example of this is the inclusion of women as part of the risk management team to develop a comprehensive risk assessment which takes into consideration the associated hazards, risks and necessary controls for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women which may otherwise be overlooked.” Organised by SHENA, the forum was held in conjunction with International Women’s Day. Permanent Secretary (Energy) at the Prime Minister’s Office Hajah Farida binti Dato Seri Paduka Haji Talib was the guest of honour in her capacity as a member of the SHENA Board of Directors. In line with this year’s International Women’s Day theme ‘Inspire Inclusion’, the forum aimed to promote awareness of the participation of women in the areas of safety and health, provide a platform to share experiences and best practices as well as inspire and encourage more women to contribute towards the development in the occupational health and safety sectors in Brunei. The forum featured a presentation titled ‘Women Inclusivity in Compliance with the Workplace Safety and Health Order, 2009’ by SHENA officer Nurul Zakiah binti Haji Md Taib. The event also saw a panel session featuring presentations from Director of Manpower Planning Office at the Prime Minister’s Office Dr Hajah Siti Haziah Binti POKSM DSP Haji Abidin on ‘Health and Safety as a Career Pathway for Women’, HSE Manager at TotalEnergies EP (Brunei) BV Salawati binti Kassim, on ‘Specific Safety and Health Considerations for Women in the Workplace’ and HSE Manager at Berakas Power Company Sdn Bhd Siti Nuranati binti Haji Saman on ‘Organisation’s Role in Ensuring Protection of Women in Safety and Health at the Workplace’. The forum ended with an interactive panel discussion to share ideas on the workplaces’ role in ensuring adequate protection of women in safety and health, ways to encourage women to join the field of safety and health and the future aspirations for women in safety and health in Brunei Darussalam. – James Kon

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