The Cambodian Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training has expressed its support for the Life and Building Safety (LABS) Initiative’s ongoing efforts to bolster occupational safety and health standards in the nation’s factories.
During a recent meeting, Heng Sour, the Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, met with Emerald Am, the Country Director for LABS, to discuss the enhancement of workplace safety. LABS, known for its commitment to safeguarding factory workers, was commended for its work.
In line with the government’s comprehensive Pentagonal Strategy, the Ministry is prioritizing worker safety, emphasizing the importance of preventing workplace accidents, particularly fires in industrial settings. The Minister urged LABS to maintain close collaboration with the Ministry’s specialized departments to explore and assess cooperative opportunities aimed at elevating health and safety standards for factory employees.
Emerald Am highlighted LABS’ mission to advance and standardize safety protocols and training programs to mitigate risks, with a special focus on preventing factory fires. LABS has successfully concluded a pilot phase in Cambodia and is now expanding its initiatives to improve working conditions in the apparel, footwear, and accessory sectors across the nation.
Ath Thorn, president of the Cambodian Labour Confederation, acknowledged the stringent occupational health and safety standards enforced in factories producing for major brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Gap. However, he raised concerns about certain factories’ non-compliance with the Ministry’s guidelines, particularly subcontracted factories that may neglect worker safety standards.
Thorn noted that while some factories are preparing to adopt safety standards, the Ministry has yet to finalize legislation on worker health and safety to mitigate risks for both employers and workers. He also pointed out that some factories possess fire-fighting equipment but fail to regularly test its efficacy.
