Knowledge and readiness of COVID-19 and MCO from the perspective of safety and health competent persons and training providers in Malaysia

Abstract

The effects and aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing Movement Control Order (MCO) will be felt for a long while, even after the MCO period ends. It is imperative to determine and measure the level of knowledge and readiness among Safety and Health Competent Persons (SHCPs) and Training Providers (TPs) in handling issues relating to COVID-19 during the MCO in Malaysia. A survey instrument was developed and validated by expert panels from academia and enforcement agency. A pilot study involving 40 respondents showed high reliability, with a Cronbach's alpha score of 0.95 and 0.96 for SHCP and TP. A fullblown research was carried out for two weeks from the 14th to 28th of April 2020. This cross-sectional study covers all states in Malaysia and has been distributed to approximately 3,000 respondents with a response rate of 10.6 % from respondents employed in various sectors. The construction sectors recorded the highest percentage of responses as compared to other sectors at 37 % followed by manufacturing sectors at 23 % and public services and statutory authorities at 18 %. The companies are a mix of small, medium-sized enterprises (47 %), and large establishments (53 %), which altogether have a wide range of turnover rates. This study highlights that SHCPs and TPs in Malaysia have moderate post-MCO awareness and readiness in terms of knowledge, skills, standard operating procedure, social distancing, and basic equipment to control and curb workplace contagion after the MCO is lifted. There are uncertainties regarding the TP's willingness to budget for and bear the daily costs of the decontamination procedure, personal protective equipment usage, space availability, and the COVID-19 screening process. The readiness of SHCPs and TPs have been measured and identified. SHCPs and TPs need more knowledge in post-MCO COVID-19 management, especially in terms of the capacity of the trained staff to adequately screen workers for COVID-19 symptoms after the MCO is lifted. SHCPs and TPs believe they are underprepared, but they are willing to learn more about pandemic preparedness if training options are provided. A plan of action to address these issues has been proposed to DOSH Malaysia for guidance on formulating the next step forward.