Asean labor ministers work to improve workers condition

Labor ministers of the ASEAN have committed to mobilize resources to raise international and national cooperation and initiatives to improve occupational safety and health (OSH) in the region.

The ministers of the 10-member ASEAN have “declared to protect the safety, health, and welfare of workers in the ASEAN region by developing and regularly reviewing OSH legislation, building OSH inspection capabilities and capacities, and strengthening risk management capabilities of member countries,” the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said.

The commitment was made at the conclusion of the 21st World Congress on Safety and Health at Work in Singapore recently.

The ASEAN labor ministers have pledged to enhance data collection, improve private sector OSH capability and productivity, and reduce the social costs of injury and illness by improving the respective countries’ OSH performance.

“Recognizing that the task requires collective effort, the ASEAN member states also committed to promote the sharing of experiences, best practices, and knowledge in OSH; encourage the participation of employers’ and workers’ organizations,” DOLE noted.

The officials have also vowed to increase collaboration with key partners such as the International Labor Organization and the Plus Three Countries composed of China, Japan, and South Korea, DOLE said.