OSH Day 2010 @ Bangi

World Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Day concept originated from the day when the American and Canadian workers honour their fallen comrades in 1989. Since then starting from 2003, 28th April was chosen as be the day to commemorate workers who injured or passed away while at work.

On this day, government and employers are encouraged to hold activities to heighten awareness of OSH issues in the world of work and promote a culture of prevention.

This year theme is adopted from International Labour Organization "Emerging Risks and New Patterns of Prevention in a Changing World of Work". It draws attention to the current global challenges and the new context of occupational safety and health practice. It highlights technological advance, emerging workplace risks and changing patterns of employment and workforce and thus, the need for new preventive approaches in facing these new challenges.

In Malaysia, the OSH day was celebrated in NIOSH, Bangi. Many activities were lined up for the day.

Registration of the participants which were mainly from private sectors and university students. I estimate the number in the region of 500 people.

Once everyone had settled down, the event kicked off with a little stretching exercise lead by this lovely lady. I believe everyone enjoy this exercise.

Then the DOSH Director General arrived to officiate the event and flag off the participants to their check points.

The first elimination event was the balancing act (Romberg Test). Surprisingly, many participants passed this round. They need to align their feet, hold the hands and shut their eyes. If anyone fail to maintain this position for 1 minute, they are eliminated.

The second elimination task is to get the knot done correctly. This is no easy task.

The third task was probably the most simplest of all. One just need to put on the mask correctly to get through to the next round. Kimberley-Clark was the main sponsor for this check point.

For those who were eliminated earlier, there are many side activities to engage such as exhibition and free medical check up.

This "Wheel of Dreams" is where almost everyone can win prizes. Just spin the wheels and answer a simple question.

It also present the visitors with a rare opportunity to take photographs with the machinery and vehicles used by various government agencies in this country.

Some booths were set out to sell some law books which are associated with safety and health.

Safety equipment like the breathing apparatus and safety symbol stickers were also on display for the public.

The final elimination task is to get tie the knot correctly and climb up this rope. This was the most difficult task and I don't think a lot of participants get through this final hurdle.

The queens of DOSH (Department of Occupational Safety and Health)

The highlight of the event was the visit by the Minister and Deputy Minister of Human Resources in the afternoon to officiate the event. I feel honoured to have a chance to shake hand with Datuk S. Subramaniam.

What am I doing here? Well, I was entrusted by my colleague to capture videos of the event. This is my first time operating a camcorder and I start to get a hang of it.

Putra Square

Putra Square is pretty much the centre piece of Precinct 1. The square made an excellent venue for ceremonies, carnivals and major events. The 300m circular area also act as a roundabout in this area.

The design of the square incorporates an 11 point outer star which represents the 11 states of Malaysia during independence in August 1957.

The inner circle has a 14 point star which represents the number of states (including federal territories) in Malaysia today.

The progressive arrangements of the different pointed stars finally culminate in a circle at the centre of the square which symbolize the ultimate goal of unity.

With its close proximity to the Prime Minister Office Complex, Perdana Putra and Putra Mosque, Putra Square is an ideal location to snap the photos of those prominent structures here in Putrajaya.

Getting to LCCT via KLIA Transit

Last week I try using the KLIA Transit to the LCCT (Low Cost Carrier Terminal) for the very first time from Putrajaya station. The ticket cost RM 5.50 for one way from here. Unfortunately, they don't sell return ticket from the ticket booth here. Return ticket can only be purchased from KL Sentral (RM22).

Basically, there are 2 tickets which will be issued. One for the train and the other one is for the bus.

Always make sure you go to the right platform to take the train. It is a sad thing that all the train stations for KLIA Transit are not air conditioned. However, the stations for the KLIA direct service in KL Sentral and KLIA are air conditioned.

The interior of the train. Comfortable and clean as usual. This is definitely the best train ride in Malaysia.

The journey to Salak Tinggi station from Putrajaya station is approximately 8 minutes only.

The stairways at the Salak Tinggi station.

Just follow the signboard to reach the connecting bus. The bus is waiting at the main entrance of this station.

The city liner bus is basically already there when the passenger arrived at the Salak Tinggi station. Hence, no time wastage here. Nice co-ordination between the bus with the train company to ensure the passengers will not miss their flight.

The bus is quite spacious and comfortable. It does not have a luggage compartment and passengers just need to lug their luggage into it. I don't find this convenient if there are a lot of people onboard the bus.

The journey takes about 20 minutes to reach the LCCT. Traffic is mostly smooth and one can catch a glimpse of air crafts taking off.

In a nutshell, it took about 30 minutes from Putrajaya station to LCCT and about 50 minutes from KL Sentral. Ticket from KL Sentral cost RM12.50 and Bandar Tasik Selatan at RM10.80 for one way.

To get back, purchase the ticket from the ticketing counter from the baggage claim concourse inside the domestic arrival hall. Head to bay 6 where the bus is waiting. The bus departs every 30 minutes.

Salak Tinggi station has a unique roof shape. It looks like a shell of a snail or some sort.

Again, get to the right platform while in the station for the intended journey.

When the bus arrived at the station, there is still a window period of 15 minutes before the next train arrive. There is free porter service to bring the heavy luggage to the train platform.

For those who plan to go to KL from LCCT, I would not recommend using KLIA Transit as there are cheaper options such as bus where the fare is RM8-9 only. The changing from the bus to the train can be quite troublesome too. There has been proposal to extend this rail service to LCCT but I guess the lack of fund kind of hamper it.

This service is only more viable for those staying in Putrajaya, Cyberjaya and Bandar Tasik Selatan.