Far East Organization has always placed a strong emphasis on the well-being of its employees at the workplace.
    When the Workplace Safety Health Act (WSHA) was introduced in 2006 to effect the principles of the Occupational Safety and Health framework, Far East Organization mobilised members from departments across the organisation to form the Health and Safety Steering Committee.
    Chaired by Mr Chia Swee Cheng (above left), Deputy Director, Central Engineering & Operations, the committee engaged a specialist in the safety and health field, Bond International — a Ministry of Manpower accredited consultant —to help spearhead the Organization’s efforts.
    The measures bore fruit almost immediately —very soon after, the first edition of the Employee’s Health and Safety Handbook was issued to all employees.
    Since then, the committee meets monthly to discuss and review the organisation’s health and safety issues. Members have also been sponsored on seminars on WSHA and Risk Assessment to equip them with essential knowledge on safety and health measures.
    A sub-committee comprising the Organization’s Fire Safety Managers led by Mr Ong Kah Thiam (above right), Manager, Central Engineering & Operations, was also formed to promote fire safety awareness in all buildings owned by Far East Organization. The subcommittee monitors all fire issues, measures, drills and updates on new regulations and reports to the Health and Safety Steering Committee.
    At the start of this year, members started conducting risk assessment in Far East hotels and F&B premises. A compilation of the risk assessment and mitigation measures was completed in May and training on workplace safety and health procedures began thereafter.
    Said Mr Chia, “We will continue to seek more avenues for enhancing workplace safety and the welfare of our staff. With a safe working environment, they can focus on their jobs and with focus comes productivity.
    “Moving forward, the committee is in the midst of organising monthly lunch talks for staff on topics like ‘How to diet healthily’ and ‘How to manage work stress’ as well as sending department heads on ‘Accident Investigation’ courses. We are also working towards achieving a Bizsafe Award issued by the Ministry of Manpower.” LM