Training to improve work safety for Lao small business

(ILO BANGKOK): Improving working conditions in small businesses will be the focus of a national workshop for government officials, workers and employers being organized by the International Labour Office (ILO) and the Lao Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare in Vientiane on 19-20 July 2007.

The Work Improvement in Small Enterprises (WISE) training technique has been specifically designed to improve occupational safety and health at work by using simple, low-cost and easily available local materials. The Laotian WISE trainers trained previously will train the new participants.

Some 30 labour officials, workers and employers will learn about handling materials and using machinery safely, designing good workstations, and creating welfare facilities and a healthy and safe working environment.  As part of the training they will put their new knowledge into practice with an action checklist exercise at the premises of a small enterprise.

After the workshop the trainees will develop their own action plans to organize more WISE workshops for small enterprises in other parts of Laos .

In response to the growing number of small enterprises in Laos the Government launched a national safety programme giving priority to work safety in small businesses.

“The WISE training supports the Government’s National Action Plan,” said Dr. Tsuyoshi Kawakami, ILO Senior Specialist on Occupational Safety and Health, who will be attending the course as an advisor. “Safe workplaces help to build strong and healthy businesses, increase productivity and create a commercial competitive edge”.

The workshop will be held at the Lao Plaza Hotel, Vientiane . Mr. Khamkhane Phimsavanh, Director General of the Labour Management Department, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare will preside over the opening ceremony.

For more information please contact:

Dr Tsuyoshi Kawakami
ILO Senior Specialist on Occupational Safety and Health, Bangkok
Tel: +66-2-288-1743
e-mail

Mr Kahmphat Huernglasy
Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Vientiane
Tel. 856 21 213 007
e-mail