Lee Lam Thye Urges Stronger School Safety Culture, OSH Practices

KUALA LUMPUR, May 10 (Bernama) --  Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye has called for a stronger safety culture and occupational safety and health (OSH) practices in schools nationwide to ensure schools remain safe havens for children.

The safety advocate said recent incidents involving students in schools have raised serious concern among parents, educators and the public.

“Schools are meant to be places where children can learn, grow and thrive in a safe and protected environment. Any incident that threatens the safety and well-being of students must therefore be treated with utmost seriousness and urgency,” he said in a statement today.

He said every school should establish an OSH Committee comprising administrators, teachers, staff representatives, and, where appropriate, parent representatives to identify hazards, conduct regular risk assessments, monitor compliance and recommend improvements to safety standards within school premises.

Lee also welcomed the Education Ministry’s move to finalise new guidelines aimed at strengthening school safety nationwide, describing the initiative as timely.

Referring to the recent case involving a van knocking down a primary school pupil at a school gate, he said the incident should serve as a wake-up call for all parties and underscored the need for a comprehensive review of existing school safety guidelines, protocols and enforcement mechanisms.

He stressed that immediate attention should be given to traffic management within school compounds, pedestrian safety at school gates, emergency response procedures, fire safety, building maintenance, electrical safety, sports and playground safety, laboratory safety, food hygiene, as well as mental health support systems for students and teachers.

Lee added that regular safety audits should be conducted in all schools, while traffic wardens should also be stationed to guide students safely during arrival and dismissal times.

“The safety of our children must never be compromised. Preventive action is always better than dealing with tragedies after they occur. Every child has the right to study in a safe environment, and every parent has the right to send their children to school with peace of mind,” he said.

-- BERNAMA