In the introduction to the first panel discussion the moderator of the Office of Home Workers (OHW), Mr Somchai recalled the three objectives of the seminar:

• review the current occupational safety and health situation for home-based workers
• provide a training model based on the Work Improvement in Small Enterprises (WISE) training methodology to promote occupational safety and health among home-based workers
• develop an action programme to improve occupational safety and health among home-based workers in selected provinces and at the national level.

The panellists were:

• Dr Chaiyuth Chavalitnitikul, Senior OSH Expert in the MOLSW
• Dr Somkiat Siriruttanapruk, Division of Occupational Health, Department of Health
• Ms Suntaree Saeng-ging, Homenet Northeast
• Ms Orapin Wimonphusit, Homenet North.

The main points highlighted in the panel discussion were:

• In general, there are three types of risks homeworkers are facing: hazardous chemicals, obsolete equipment and machines, and poor ergonomics.
• Risks faced by home-based workers were high due to the lack of knowledge and information about possible work hazards. Home-based workers were involved in a range of economic activities, such as growing seedlings, weaving, dyeing and producing textiles and garments, developing metal equipment and utensils (razor blades, knives). Main risks concerned exposure to chemical substances, noise or dust, dangerous, often obsolete machines and equipment lacking necessary safety features, ergonomically unsound postures and long working hours.
• Homeworkers often jeopardized the health of themselves and their family members, because of economic needs. Twenty years ago home-work was less hazardous as it involved part-time handicraft production and sale of agricultural produce. However, the types of home work had expanded rapidly and increasing numbers of workers were involved.
• It was emphasized that homeworkers themselves needed to be provided with information and mobilized to protect themselves. Health officials needed to recognize and inquire about the work hazards which might be faced by their clients. Employers and subcontractors also had a responsibility to prevent OSH problems.
• Panelists agreed it would be necessary to issue a Royal Decree or Regulation to protect home-based workers from OSH risks and provide for a compensation system in case work-related illnesses or disabilities had occurred. In relation hereto the or Ministry of Public Health unfolded its plans for the coming years, i.e. pregnant women and children would be priority target groups. Identification of OSH risks at the clinic would be followed by home visits. In addition a "Healthy Town" campaign would be launched.
• The representatives of homeworkers' organizations stressed the need for speedy action and clear regulations for prevention and compensation. Self-evaluation and assessment forms needed to be developed for each type of home industry so that home-based workers could keep their personal health record. It was also noted that it was sometimes difficult to proof that illnesses were related to the work carried out and long term effects were often not yet well known.