Ministry to establish joint fire prevention guidelines
FOLLOWING a recent inter-ministerial meeting chaired by Minister of Labour and Vocational Training Heng Sour, an agreement was reached to establish joint guidelines for fire education and prevention in manufacturing and tourism industries. The aim is to coordinate efforts in implementing measures for the protection of life and property.
Sour emphasised the crucial need for inter-institutional collaboration among relevant parties to prioritise safety and fire prevention measures across all factories and business locations.
The National Police’s Department of Fire Prevention, Extinguishing and Rescue reported reaching a consensus, after discussions with representatives from relevant institutions, to establish unified guidelines for maximum fire prevention in manufacturing and tourism establishments.
The meeting was hosted by the labour ministry, and attended by representatives from the ministries of Interior; Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction; Tourism; and Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation.
Ath Thorn, president of the Cambodian Labour Confederation (CLC), noted the importance of effectively enforcing the law.
“Certain factories have not set up fire and smoke detection
systems since their establishment, while others, though equipped, have not even tested the systems. It is essential for factories to either initiate or adhere to safety standards and properly maintain their safety systems to be well-prepared,” he told The Post on January 28.
Thorn also urged stakeholders to establish workplace health and safety laws, stating the need for officials to enforce these laws across all factories and other business establishments.
Pav Sina president of the Collective Union of Movement of Workers, said the issuance of inter-ministerial guidelines is
commendable and essential. It serves as a reminder and plays a role in safeguarding property, businesses and the lives of workers.
“In my observation, each factory is equipped with a fire brigade trainer. The occurrence of factory fires, in my assessment, often stems from the negligence of factory managers,” he said.
For this directive to be effective, he said the fire prevention authority must closely monitor each factory.
The labour ministry issued a directive on January 19 instructing owners or managers of factories and manufacturing enterprises to contribute to reinforcing the implementation of fire prevention and occupational safety and health measures for workers. The objective is to ensure a safe and secure environment, mitigating the risks of fires and heatrelated fainting in workplaces.
“Negligent owners or directors face penalties under the Labour Law and Article 30 of the Fire Prevention Law for noncompliance, endangering lives and property,” the ministry said.
In 2023, the fire prevention department reported 761 fires, an increase of 143 from 2022. The incidents led to 54 fatalities, 97 injuries, and the destruction of 579 houses and 57 commercial stalls.