Cambodia advances first occupational safety and health law with ILO support

Cambodia has moved closer to introducing its first comprehensive Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Law following the latest round of tripartite consultations held in Phnom Penh, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Organised on 8 July by Cambodia's Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) in partnership with the ILO, the consultations brought together around 200 representatives from government, employers organisations, workers groups and development partners to review the draft legislation and align it with international labour standards.

International standards aligned

According to the ILO, the proposed law is designed to reflect Cambodia's national priorities while aligning with key international conventions, including the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) and the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187).

The consultation was chaired by Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training and Chair of the National Committee for Occupational Safety and Health.

"The Royal Government is committed to realizing a safe and healthy environment for all workers in Cambodia as a foundation for decent work and sustainable economic growth," said Minister Sour.

He added that the draft legislation consolidates and modernises more than 20 existing legal instruments on occupational safety and health, helping improve labour productivity, strengthen national competitiveness and bring Cambodia's legal framework closer to regional and international practices. 

He also stressed the importance of cooperation between government, employers and workers to ensure effective legislation and high levels of compliance.

ILO reaffirms support

Tun Sophorn, ILO National Coordinator in Cambodia, said a resilient national occupational safety and health system depends on a strong legal foundation, robust institutions, effective enforcement mechanisms and constructive social dialogue.

He also reaffirmed the ILO's commitment to supporting Cambodia throughout both the legislative process and the implementation of the new law.

Stakeholders back reforms

Representatives from employer and worker organisations, including Oknha Sar Kinal, Vice President of CAMFEBA, and Ly Vichet, President of the Cambodian Federation of Workers' Fortunate and Vice Chair of the National OSH Commission, expressed their support for the proposed legislation and highlighted the importance of collaboration in strengthening workplace safety and health.

Prevention at the core

Presenting the ILO's technical review of the draft legislation, Dr Yuka Ujita, ILO Senior occupational safety and health specialist, said, “Through multiple consultations, the draft has become remarkably advanced. It clearly states its principles, namely, risk-based, prevention-focused approach by creating safety and health culture and a tripartite mechanism.”

The workshop was organised under the ILO-Japan project, promoting a safe and healthy working environment in Thailand and Cambodia, with funding from the Government of Japan.