April 29, 2026
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Greater attention must be given to psychosocial risks in the workplace as part of building a strong and sustainable safety culture, a senior official said on Tuesday.
Speaking at the launch of Safety Month 2026, Guest of Honour, the Deputy Minister (Security and Law) at the Prime Minister’s Office and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA) Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Sufian bin Haji Sabtu, stressed that workplace safety efforts must evolve beyond traditional focus areas.
“While significant progress has been made in managing physical and operational risks, equal attention must now be accorded to psychosocial risks,” he said.
He highlighted issues such as excessive workloads, unclear job roles, workplace harassment and prolonged stress, noting that these factors can impair judgement, reduce performance and increase the likelihood of workplace incidents.
The deputy minister underscored that mental wellbeing is a fundamental pillar of an effective safety culture, urging employers and industry leaders to view psychosocial risk management as a strategic investment.
Such an approach, he said, would not only enhance worker wellbeing but also contribute to safer operations, stronger workforce engagement and sustained productivity.
The remarks were delivered in conjunction with World Day for Safety and Health at Work, which this year carries the theme “Good Psychosocial Working Environments: A Pathway to Thriving Workers and Strong Organisations,” designated by the International Labour Organization.
He also called for a holistic and forward-looking approach to workplace safety and health in line with Wawasan Brunei 2035, emphasising the need to move beyond reactive enforcement towards proactive prevention, robust governance and workplace cultures built on respect, dignity and accountability.
The launch, held at the Design and Technology Building in Kampong Anggerek Desa, marked the start of a month-long series of initiatives aimed at strengthening safety and health practices across all sectors.
Also speaking at the event, SHENA Chief Executive Officer Haji Muhsin bin Haji Ahmad said global data shows that neglecting mental wellbeing can lead to reduced productivity, higher absenteeism and increased workplace risks.
He noted that SHENA is working with agencies including the Health Promotion Centre and the Department of Labour to strengthen psychosocial risk management frameworks and address mental health stigma.
Safety Month 2026 will feature a range of programmes and engagement sessions, culminating in the Safety Forum 2026 scheduled for May 20, aimed at advancing dialogue and collective action on workplace safety and psychosocial wellbeing. – Lyna Mohammad