Shena Brunei: Traditional Healer Or Cultural Icon?

The Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA) is a Bruneian government agency responsible for regulating workplace safety, health, the environment, and radiation matters. SHENA was established following the enactment of the Safety, Health and Environment National Authority Act, signed by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan on 6 October 2018. The organisation's CEO is ultimately accountable for all activities undertaken by the Authority and reports directly to the Minister of Energy. SHENA's inspectors have legal powers to enforce and regulate workplace safety, health, the environment, and radiation laws.

SHENA's role in workplace safety and health

SHENA, the Safety, Health and Environment National Authority of Brunei, plays a crucial role in ensuring workplace safety and health. It provides a comprehensive framework and set of regulations to promote safe and healthy working environments for employees across various industries.

One of SHENA's key roles is to regulate and oversee the appointment of Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Officers in prescribed workplaces. According to Section 28 of the WSH Officer regulations from 2009, specific types of workplaces, such as shipyards, petroleum factories, and construction sites with high contract values, are required to appoint a WSH Officer or Coordinator. SHENA sets the qualifications, experience, and approval process for these officers, ensuring that they are competent and actively involved in maintaining workplace safety.

SHENA also provides detailed guidelines, industry guidance notes, and training courses to promote workplace safety and health. They cover a range of topics, including safe practices for specific industries, radiation protection, and general health and safety. For instance, SHENA has published notices on safety precautions during the monsoon season, safe operation of lifts, and risks associated with filling fuel containers at petrol stations.

Additionally, SHENA is responsible for licensing and registration related to workplace safety and health. This includes approving training providers, authorised examiners for lifting equipment, and third-party inspection agencies. SHENA also handles radiation-related applications, such as import and export authorisations, and provides guidelines to ensure the safe handling of radioactive materials.

Furthermore, SHENA actively engages in outreach and collaboration to strengthen occupational safety and health standards in Brunei. They host workshops, participate in international conferences, and provide updates on workplace accidents, injuries, and dangerous occurrences to raise awareness and drive continuous improvement in workplace safety.

Overall, SHENA plays a vital role in regulating, educating, and promoting safe and healthy work environments in Brunei. Their work helps protect employees across various industries and ensures that businesses adhere to stringent safety standards.

SHENA's role in radiation safety

The Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA) is the national authority in Brunei responsible for regulating workplace safety, health, environmental, and radiation matters. SHENA's role in radiation safety is to enforce and regulate the Radiation Protection Act, Chapter 228.

SHENA's Inspectors have specific legal powers to enforce and regulate radiation laws on behalf of the organisation. The Investigation and Response Division (IRD) of SHENA is responsible for conducting investigations and responses to reported radiation-related matters. This includes gathering evidence of any breach of the provisions under the Radiation Protection Act. If a breach is found, SHENA works closely with the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) to recommend legal processes for further outcomes.

SHENA also provides Radiation Application services, which include import and export authorisations. They offer Radiation Guidelines, Radiation Technical Notes (RTN), and Radiation Posters & Brochures to promote radiation safety. Additionally, SHENA has the power to take enforcement actions for any contraventions related to the Radiation Protection Act, including issuing Warning Letters, Remedial Orders, Stop-Work Orders, Compound Fines, and initiating Legal Prosecution.

SHENA's functional structure includes the Operation Function, comprising the Compliance and International Affairs Division, Enforcement Division, Process Safety Division, and the Investigation and Response Division. This operational setup ensures that SHENA can effectively manage and respond to radiation-related matters in the country.

SHENA's role in environmental safety

SHENA, the Safety, Health and Environment National Authority, is committed to ensuring Brunei is a safe place to work and live. It does this by maintaining a robust and fit-for-purpose national safety, health, and environmental regulatory framework. SHENA's operational philosophy is governed by four key principles: a structured legal framework, a risk-based approach, accountability, and an open and transparent dialogue with stakeholders.

SHENA also provides guidance and requirements for the safe storage, handling, and use of chemicals, including the use of the Global Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. It is important to note that SHENA's role in chemical management is limited to the safety aspect of chemicals in the workplace and does not include import controls.

Additionally, SHENA offers training courses related to health, safety, and the environment, such as the Micro-Master of Occupational Health and Safety (MMOHS) programme. SHENA also hosts outreach programmes and workshops to strengthen Occupational Safety and Health Standards in Brunei.

SHENA also plays a role in regulating the import and export of radioactive materials and controlled apparatus. Any company wishing to bring radioactive material or controlled apparatus into Brunei must first be licensed by the Radiation Department at SHENA and then submit an online permit application through the Brunei Darussalam National Single Window (BDNSW). SHENA also provides guidance and procedures for the disposal of radioactive materials and controlled apparatus, which must be returned to the country of origin or supplier and cannot be disposed of within Brunei.

Overall, SHENA plays a crucial role in ensuring environmental safety in Brunei by regulating radiation activities, providing guidance on HSE matters, conducting inspections, and offering training and outreach programmes to promote a safe and healthy environment for both workers and the general public.

SHENA's role in nuclear safety

The Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA) is the national authority in Brunei responsible for regulating workplace safety, health, environmental, and radiation matters. SHENA's role in nuclear safety involves enforcing the Radiation Protection Act, Chapter 228, and the Workplace Safety and Health Order, 2009 (WSHO, 2009).

SHENA's Inspectors have specific legal powers to enforce and regulate laws related to workplace safety, health, and radiation on behalf of the organisation. The Investigation and Response Division (IRD) of SHENA is responsible for conducting investigations and responses to reported work-related incidents and radiation matters. This includes gathering evidence of any breach of the provisions under the WSHO and the Radiation Protection Act. If a breach is found, SHENA works closely with the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) to recommend legal processes and outcomes.

SHENA also provides Radiation Guidelines, Radiation Technical Notes (RTN), and Radiation Posters & Brochures to promote radiation safety. Additionally, SHENA offers Radiation Application and Radiation Import/Export Authorisation services to ensure the safe handling and transportation of radioactive materials.

Furthermore, SHENA participates in international conferences and workshops related to nuclear safety. For example, SHENA participated in the 68th IAEA Annual General Conference in Vienna, Austria, in 2024. By engaging in such events, SHENA stays updated with the latest developments and best practices in nuclear safety, ensuring that Brunei aligns with international standards.

SHENA's role in occupational health

SHENA, the Safety, Health and Environment National Authority, is responsible for regulating and overseeing occupational safety, health and environmental standards in Brunei. It plays a crucial role in ensuring safe and healthy working conditions for employees across various industries.

One of SHENA's primary roles is to set and enforce Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) standards. SHENA provides comprehensive guidelines, industry guidance notes, and approved codes of practice to ensure that workplaces maintain a safe and healthy environment for their employees. This includes regulations for the safe use and handling of hazardous substances, such as toxic fumes, gases, and radioactive materials. SHENA also outlines the requirements for appointing Workplace Safety and Health Officers, who are responsible for overseeing and maintaining safety and health standards within their respective organisations.

SHENA offers training and education programmes to promote occupational health and safety. This includes SHENA's Registered Safety & Health Training Course, which aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to uphold workplace safety and health standards. SHENA also collaborates with educational institutions to offer academic programmes, such as the Micro-Master of Occupational Health and Safety, enabling professionals to advance their careers in this field.

Additionally, SHENA conducts outreach programmes and workshops to raise awareness and provide practical guidance on safety and health topics. For example, SHENA has hosted programmes on the legal framework for the safe use of lifting equipment and the legal requirements for the use and handling of radioactive materials. These initiatives help employers and employees understand their responsibilities and rights regarding occupational health and safety.

SHENA also plays a crucial role in monitoring and assessing workplace safety and health. It requires workplaces to conduct self-assessments, comply with WSH performance reports, and report serious accidents, injuries, and occupational diseases. SHENA has the authority to enforce compliance by issuing stop-work orders, remedial orders, and compound fines for violations of safety and health regulations. By doing so, SHENA helps ensure that workplaces proactively address safety hazards and take corrective actions to protect their employees' well-being.

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