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Promoting the Adoption of Occupational Health and Safety - Experiences. Open till 25 September 2009.
Dear all,
The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is recognized as an important disciplinary area across the globe as it deals with the safety of employees, which is a growing concern for every country to ensure the safety and welfare of its employees.
Keeping this in mind the government of Bhutan has put every effort to improve the working environment in companies. The Ministry of Labour and Human Resources (MoLHR) introduced the Rules and Regulations on OHS, 2006. Strengthening this, Chapter IX of the Labour and Employment Act, 2007 has a provision on OHS. In 2007, the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and MoLHR organized trainings on Management of Industrial Safety and Compliance System, for companies based in Thimphu and Phuentsoling.
Despite these efforts, private companies in Bhutan still have not incorporated the OHS system in their workspace because it is perceived that such a system would entail high costs. In the long run, having a good OHS in the system will help to minimize financial losses for companies by reducing the risk of workplace accidents, lowering workers’ compensation costs, and avoiding regulatory and criminal prosecutions, thus having a positive impact in the companies’ output.
In this regard, BCCI would like to seek guidance and inputs from members, specially,
· What are some ways we can promote a change in the perception of companies towards OHS, to increase their interest in adopting such measures?
· How have companies, organization, institutions, government offices, etc. successfully reinforced the implementation of OHS to achieve healthy and safe working environments for their employees?
We are interested in experiences from Bhutan as well as from other countries, especially developing countries who have introduced OHS standards recently.
Your views and suggestions will assist in working with stakeholders to encourage the implementation of OHS in Bhutan.
Regards,
Kesang Wangdi
Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), Phuntsholing
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