Decent Work for All ASIAN DECENT WORK DECADE 2006-2015

Asbestos issues in Lao PDR and the Mekong Region

Inpeng MeunvisethDeputy director of International Relation

Department( Lao Federation of Trade Unions)

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Current Asbestos use in SE Asia Region (Tons) 2011

• *China 637,000• *Indonesia 124,000• *Vietnam 63,587 • *Thailand 86,525 (*Top 10 world user) • Lao 9,000

(increase from 5,000 2009)

• Philippine 4,620 • Malaysia 3,713

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General information Lao PDR

• One of least developed countries in SE Asia with main Industries

AgricultureTimber and Forestry Hydro powerMining ConstructionGarment

Ethnic groups Labour force total (2010 est.)

GDP ServiceAgriculture/ForestryIndustryOther

Over 100 ethnic groups 3.69 million

37.2 %30.4 %26 %6.4%(Sources info: Laos Economic Profile 2012)

Population 2012 est.:Capital :

6,500,000Vientiane

Annual economic growth (2011)GDP per capitaMinimum WageTrade UnionMembers

8 %

$986/year

Equivalent $80/month

LFTU

154,965 (60,785 women)

(Sources info: National Economic Development plan 1011- 2015)

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• Lao PDR, since 1990 has had a policy to open up to global economy and promote FDI to help develop quickly

• Recently, the economy has been growing rapidly especially mining and construction [dams].

• Laos transforming to a market economy and aims to reach industrialized status by 2020.

• No OHS laws specifically but covered broadly in Labour Law

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Brief information about Asbestos use in Lao PDR

• The LFTU is aware of ten asbestos roof sheet companies established in 8 different provinces.

• Located near local communities• No specific regulations on asbestos

use• Each factories have 20-60

workers (women 20%), who have low awareness of the danger of asbestos, often have no PPE and besides LFTU info and training - very little information

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Lao asbestos issues • The inspection department

(government) have limited knowledge and information on asbestos

• The concerned Dept has not been active in fulfilling their inspection role no testing equipment

• There are no specialist doctors or departments to prove, diagnose and treat occupational diseases

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Asbestos issues and challenges• No National Asbestos Profile• Low consumer and worker

awareness • There are no specific regulations

on use• Workers and communities are

being directly exposed • Low use of any PPE• Lao in 2012 has passed

Hazardous Substances Regulation. Blue and Brown banned. White restricted import.

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What LFTU and UAA APHEDA are doing! Asbestos Disease Prevention Program

• Recent project cooperation with APHEDA and workshops ILO, Japan and Korea raised issue for first time

• Now advocating for phase out of asbestos use and immediate reduction in exposure for workers and communities

• Mapping/survey of roof factories• Information and training for

workers• LFTU now raising issue strongly to

government, employers and in National assembly

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What LFTU and UAA APHEDA are doing! Asbestos Disease Prevention Program

• Linking LFTU with ban asbestos groups and OHS institutes in the region

• APHEDA also partnering with Ministry of Industry to promote dangers of asbestos, regulation and urgent phase out

• Funding from some Australian unions, APHEDA Appeal and ANCP AusAID (Total $17,750 in 2012)

• APHEDA seeking AusAID funds to expand program

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National campaign

• Organize the mobile training for W and E in roof sheet factory for improving the working condition in the workplace.

• Cooperate with Ministry concern such as Ministry of industry and commerce, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Labor social and welfare.

• Sharing information with concerning Ministry and sectors.

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National campaign

• Developing the First National Asbestos Profile• Establish the NAPL • Establish the Asbestos committee• To continue over hand the Asbestos posters

and brochures for 10 factory and villages near by the factory.

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Regional and global campaign

• Exchange experience with Thailand, Vietnam and neighboring country. With the country ,who Banned Asbestos such as Australia, Korea , Japan and Ext……..

• Try to Ban Asbestos with ASEAN country• Cooperate and sharing information with

ASEAN country and another country in the region.

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National Strategy on Asbestos

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Asbestos Out of Mekong We Need your Help!

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