Occupational Health and Safety Day: Building a good psychosocial environment for a sustainable Monash
Advocating empowerment, wellbeing and support through meaningful conversations and community engagement.
On 6 October 2026, Monash University Malaysia hosted Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Day 2026 under the theme ‘Good Psychosocial Environments for a Sustainable Future: Driving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a healthy Monash Culture.’ The event brought together staff and students across campus to learn about OHS and wellbeing while strengthening the campus community’s shared responsibilities to create a safer, healthier and thriving environment for all.
Opening remarks by Professor Dato’ Dr Ir Faisal Rafiq Mahamd Adikan.
The event was officially launched by Professor Dato’ Dr Ir Faisal Rafiq Mahamd Adikan, Vice President (Research and Development). He reflected on his past experience navigating detailed OHS documentation while emphasising why such rigour remains essential as proof of workplace compliance.
Professor Rafiq highlighted the importance of fostering a workplace culture that prioritises both physical safety and psychological well-being and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to providing a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for all staff and students.
“The OSHE team has done a good job,” he said. “We have a compliance rating that shows how many requirements we have fulfilled, and that number has grown tremendously over the last three years. It shows our commitment to training and building greater awareness.”
Dr Sujenthiran Sundaran from DOSH delivered a safety talk.
Dr Sujenthiran Sundaran, Head of the Occupational Health Section of Selangor’s Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), delivered a safety talk on ‘Psychosocial Risk Assessment and Management in the Workplace’. He explored the growing importance of identifying and managing psychosocial risks, including work-related stress, organisational culture and relationships.
Staff and students actively participated in the session, gaining valuable knowledge on workplace wellbeing and psychosocial health.
The session also introduced participants to the Guidelines on Psychosocial Risk Assessment and Management at the Workplace (PRisMA) 2024, providing a structured approach for assessing psychosocial hazards and implementing measures to promote mental health and well-being in the workplace. Looking ahead, upcoming OSH Regulations will further address environmental controls, workplace amenities, risk assessments, and protective provisions for persons with disabilities, reflecting Malaysia's continued efforts to strengthen workplace health and safety standards.
Tan Keng Chuan, Senior Director of Campus Infrastructure and Technology Services, presented a token of appreciation to Dr Sujenthiran Sundaran.
The OHS Day also featured a range of health, safety and well-being exhibitions and awareness activities across campus. Staff and students engaged with booths hosted by government agencies, industry partners and University teams, including the Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA), the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO), the ROSE Foundation, Emotion Pod, Electronic Recycling Through Heroes (ERTH), Yakult and the Monash University Malaysia Counselling Team. The exhibits and activities covered a wide range of topics, including workplace safety, emergency preparedness, health promotion, mental well-being, and environmental sustainability.
Health screening and blood donation activities were also offered, giving attendees the opportunity to gain insights into their personal health and well-being while reinforcing the importance of preventive healthcare.
The event reflected Monash University Malaysia's ongoing commitment to promoting a safe, healthy and supportive environment for staff, students and visitors. By bringing together education, engagement and community participation, the OHS Day reinforced the role that every individual plays in maintaining a culture of safety and well-being across the University.
Participants engaged with exhibitors and industry partners to learn more about health, safety and wellbeing initiatives.
Staff and students gained hands-on experience in responding to fire emergencies through a practical fire extinguisher demonstration by the Fire and Rescue Department.
Complimentary health screening services encouraged attendees to take proactive steps towards better health and wellbeing.
The blood donation drive highlighted the importance of giving back to the community while supporting healthcare needs.