In 1984, more than 2,500 People were killed and over 200,000 injured in the Bhopal disaster in India due to the leakage of methyl isocyanate from a chemical plant. Other such major industrial accidents have occurred and today there is global recognition of the need to prevent them.

Over the last 75 years, the ILO has been striving to protect working people. The principles laid down in the ILO Prevention of Major Industrial Accidents Convention, 1993 (No. 174), provides a sound basis for preventing major accidents and protecting workers, the public and the environment. Many countries in Asia and the Pacific have already taken steps to implement the principles.

This booklet presents a practical plan of action for setting up a national major hazard control system. It was first published on the occasion of the 75^th anniversary of the International Labour Organization in 1994 and was one of a series produced by the ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific.

The publication was prepared under the responsibility of Mr. Seiji Machida, Occupational Safety and Health Technical Specialist, ILO/EASMAT. We would like to mention our special thanks to Mr. Henk Ens, ILO Consultant, who drafted the document. It is reprinted with minor revisions, particularly on OSH statistics.

In the foreword to the first printing we expressed the hope that the booklet would provide a framework of reference and inspire continued efforts to prevent and control major industrial accidents in the region. That wish has apparently been fulfilled since the first printing has already been exhausted. For this reason we have now proceeded to the current second edition.