As Malaysia implements updated safety standards under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) regulations introduced in June 2024, many SMEs in industries such as construction, escalator and lift maintenance, and field services face new safety and compliance expectations.

Caction, a Malaysian business management software company, offers digital tools designed to make this transition smoother for businesses.

Trusted by established names like Hyundai Lift, KONE, and Sunway Group, Caction provides practical solutions to help companies document compliance and enhance workplace safety, the company said in a statement on Thursday.

The June 2024 OSHA amendments bring stricter safety compliance requirements, increased penalties, and heightened employer accountability across Malaysia.

Fines now range from MYR100,000 ($22,705) to MYR500,000, with non-compliance potentially leading to imprisonment. These changes urge companies in key sectors to strengthen safety practices and improve record-keeping.

“The new OSHA standards are a positive step toward safer workplaces in Malaysia, but we understand that SMEs may find compliance challenging. Many SMEs still lack an operational system to monitor and document their day-to-day work,” said John Lee, CEO of Caction.

Caction’s digital tools help bridge this gap, offering streamlined ways to document safety practices and monitor compliance efforts.

“With strengthened regulations come additional compliance requirements for SMEs. Digitalization is key to improving efficiency and helping SMEs manage these added responsibilities,” he added.

Industries like construction and maintenance often struggle with the consistent documentation required under OSHA standards.

Caction’s digital tools simplify this process, allowing companies to digitally log tasks such as permit-to-work applications, equipment inspections, and installations in real time. By offering a straightforward approach to record-keeping, these tools help companies not only meet compliance standards but also increase transparency and
accountability in daily operations, the company said.

In the construction industry, the ability to track work progress and safety checks on-site has become increasingly important.

Caction’s platform enables workers and supervisors to document inspections and task completions as they happen, providing real-time updates and supporting a safer workplace. This approach also allows supervisors to gain insights into compliance status and project milestones, fostering an improved culture of accountability, the company added.

By adopting digital proof-of-work solutions, companies can create a clear, traceable record of each worker’s compliance with safety standards.

This fosters a safer work environment by preventing lapses that could lead to accidents. It also simplifies regulatory audits and inspections, reducing the time and resources needed to ensure compliance with safety laws.

As SMEs across Malaysia adapt to new safety standards, Caction’s digital tools offer a practical path to compliance that aligns with their unique operational needs.

By empowering companies to efficiently manage safety records and real-time monitoring, Caction enables businesses to not only meet regulatory demands but also cultivate a proactive culture of workplace safety.

With a growing network of clients and a commitment to local business needs, Caction continues to support the journey towards safer and more efficient workplaces in Malaysia, the company said.

Leveraging AI to create safer, ESG-compliant construction sites [Q&A]