Lao People’s Democratic Republic advances occupational safety and health standards

VIENTIANE (ILO News) – The Lao People’s Democratic Republic has taken a major step towards strengthening its occupational safety and health (OSH) standards for heat, lighting and noise with the support of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Japan.

A Draft Ministerial Decision on Occupational Safety and Health Standards for Heat, Lighting, and Noise was reviewed and refined at a workshop organized by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MOLSW) and ILO held in Vientiane on 7 March 2025.

The event saw representatives from the Lao government, Lao National Chamber of Industry and Commerce, and Lao Federation of Trade Unions review and refine the draft. The promulgation of the new OSH standards is expected in May 2025.

“The establishment of the new standards will serve as an important regulatory instrument, complementing existing occupational safety and health legislation. The new standard is intended to provide guidance, facilitate monitoring, and support inspections related to heat, light, and noise standards across all workplaces, with the objective of minimizing potential adverse effects on workers,” said Bouavanh Panyavong, Deputy Director General of the Labour Management Department, MOLSW.

The workshop also aimed to raise awareness about responsible business conduct (RBC) and Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, strengthening stakeholders' understanding of the ILO and other relevant international instruments.

“Ensuring a safe and healthy working environment is a key priority for responsible business practices. This workshop provided a meaningful opportunity to exchange ideas and contribute to strengthening the OSH framework in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic,” said Viengprasith Thiphasouda, ILO National Coordinator for the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

The “Consultation Workshop on the Draft Ministerial Decision on Occupational Safety and Health Standards for Heat, Lighting, and Noise”, was held as part of the ILO’s Building Responsible Value Chains in Asia through the Promotion of Decent Work in Business Operations (Phase II), funded by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan. The project supports efforts in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to promote the labour component of responsible business conduct and enhance enterprises’ compliance with national laws and international labour standards, guided by the ILO MNE Declaration, which offers practical recommendations for governments, businesses, and workers to promote decent work and sustainable enterprises.