Mon, Nov 2 2009 - OCCUPATIONAL safety and health (OSH) should be made a new subject in schools or at least taught through talks and lectures to bring about awareness about the matter among students and teachers, said the chairman of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh), Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

He said every student must be aware of the need for safety and to adhere to safety rules.

"The safety culture needs to be entrenched in students to prevent unforeseen incidents," Lee told Bernama.

He was commenting on the measures that can be taken by the government to prevent accidents and targedies in schools in the wake of what happened in Kampar, Perak when a suspension bridge collapsed at a camp-site at Sekolah Kebangsaan Kuala Dipang and resulted in the death of three young pupils.

Lee said making OSH a school subject needed detailed planning but that as a start it could be taught through talks or via seminars.

"With OSH knowledge, as least we can ensure that people in school can be safe and healthy," he said.

Lee said Niosh had chosen 13 schools for a OSH programme sponsored by the corporate sector.

Niosh has also published a 'OSH in Schools Guidebook' since 2007, he said.

"The time has come for the Education Ministry and us to develop a comprehensive safety and health programme in schools," Lee said.