Labour and Vocational Training minister Ith Samheng remarks at a July 11 event dedicated to the dissemination of the third master plan on OSH for 2023-2027. LABOUR MINISTRY
The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training remains committed to occupational safety and health (OSH) standards, highlighted by its ongoing implementation of strategic master plans in the field, labour minister Ith Samheng has stated.
At a July 11 event dedicated to the dissemination of the third master plan on OSH for 2023-2027, Samheng addressed stakeholders, partner organisations, and trade unions, outlining the importance of this initiative.
The minister described Cambodia’s labour market as robust, employing 99.3 per cent of the nation’s total labour force of about 10.8 million people.
Additionally, over 17,000 manufacturing enterprises are currently registered with the labour ministry, engaging more than 1.5 million employees.
“The Cambodian government and the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training have paid close attention to the issues of occupational safety and health. We have been implementing strategic plans for employment development and vocational training, the improvement of working conditions, and harmonious professional relations, and strengthening standards of occupational safety and health,” Samheng explained.
Samheng highlighted that the ministry has already successfully executed two master plans on OSH standards, for the years between 2009-2013 and 2018-2022, aiming to enhance safety, social security, and working sustainability for workers and employees.
As a result of these successes, the third master plan on OSH for 2023-2027 was created, following consultations with relevant parties, including the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Tep Sophoan, the general manager of the Cambodian Federation of Employers and Business Associations (CAMFEBA), emphasised the importance of guaranteeing OSH to attract employer and investor interest. He viewed the third master plan on OSH as a significant mechanism to pave the way for priority policies and necessary measures aimed at improving worker health and safety.
“Currently, Cambodia faces no significant risks and impacts on health conditions from the Covid-19 pandemic. We request the Ministry of Labour restore health treatment services at an occupational hospital,” Sophoan said.
Sophoan also indicated that while occupational hospitals had paused services due to Covid-19, they were prepared to fulfil their obligations once again. He asked the minister to consider reopening the occupational hospital service on the grounds of allowing the private sector and other institutions to send their employees for necessary health certificate tests.
In response, the minister accepted the requests and other suggestions.
ILO national coordinator Tun Sophorn confirmed the ILO’s support for standard health and safety mechanisms in all workplaces.
“We have seen a lot of changes. Workers and employees have gained a lot of understanding of risks in the workplaces and the workplaces were tidied up. That’s a major change,” he said.
