Thailand: National Master Plan on Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (2012 – 2016)
The 1st ever master plan was launched in 2001 and was effective for 2002-2006. This first plan consisted of 9 main topics; OSH standards development, implementation, OSH administration structure, expansion of the scope of OSH protection, OSH personnel development, OSH information system, OSH research/study, prevention of occupational accidents and injuries, and promotion of OSH activities. Following the 1st master plan, the 2nd master plan was developed for 2007-2011. Under this 2nd plan, 5 main strategies and 33 sub-projects were established with special emphasis on the enhancement of skill and performance among OSH personnel, improvement of efficiency in OSH management, encouragement and promotion of OSH collaboration among relevant sectors, development of OSH information system and dissemination. At the end of this 2nd master plan period, the 3rd master plan was developed as the National Master Plan on Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (2012-2016) by integrating the OSH Master Plan of the Ministry of Labour with the Action Plan for the National Agenda “Decent Safety and Health for Workers”. This National MasterPlan has been approved by the government cabinet on November 29, 2011, and is currently effective.
The concept and principles in administration of the plan has been based on the continuously review of the action plans and results. The National Agenda “Decent Safety and Health for Workers” has been placed as the main target to achieve, with the following missions:
1) Establish or develop OSH standards
2) Monitor, control and follow-up OSH issues those are problematic
3) Develop and promote OSH activities
4) Develop OSH management system
The National Master Plan covers 5 strategic issues as follows:
Strategy 1. Promoting labour protection with effective OSH standards
Goals
1) Employers, employees and relevant parties follow the OSH standards/laws.
2) OSH standards/laws are developed in consistent to economic and social factors and applicable for current OSH situation.
Strategic Approaches
1)Develop OSH standards/laws those are consistent to the international levels
2)Monitor, follow-up, and develop effective OSH inspection system
3)Conduct researches/studies to develop innovations on OSH
4)Promote and encourage the establishments to implement sustainable OSH management system
Strategy 2. Promoting and strengthening the capacity of OSH networks
Goals
Existing OSH networks are strengthened and all relevant sectors get involve or actively participate in OSH activities.
Strategic Approaches
1)Encourage and support the establishment of effective OSH network to cover all relevant sectors
2)Develop and strengthen OSH network
3)Expand the coverage and enhance the capacity by seeking the collaboration with international OSH networks
Strategy 3. Developing and managing OSH knowledge
Goals
1) Effective system for managing body of knowledge on OSH has been developed and fully functional.
2) OSH learning center for people at all ages has been established.
3) OSH knowledge shall be accessible to all groups of population.
Strategic Approaches
1) Conduct researches/studies to develop body of knowledge on OSH that covers all sectors (including students at each educational level, both registered and unregistered workers, etc.)
2) Promote and build-up technical capacity on OSH among relevant personnel in all sectors
3) Create network among relevant organizations, both local and international, for OSH information and knowledge sharing
4) Establish OSH learning center
Strategy 4. Developing OSH information system
Goals
Developing information technology system to facilitate OSH administration and OSH services effectively
Strategic Approaches
1) Establish, develop, and integrate OSH databases and networks
2) Built-up or develop skill and capacity in information technology of OSH personnel in all sectors
3) Develop and promote OSH information system and services
4) Use of computer and communication technology for OSH information dissemination and public relation
Strategy 5. Developing effective mechanism for OSH administration
Goals
Establish policy, administrative structure, plans, measures, work processes, procedures, tools and necessary resources for the development of effective OSH administration
Strategic Approaches
1) Develop effective mechanisms to facilitate OSH administration and to integrate OSH activities
2) Encourage all relevant sectors to get involve or actively participate in OSH administration and activities
3) Develop proactive public relation system for OSH
4) Establish an autonomous agency to responsible for OSH administration and activities, with unity.
The administrative mechanism, including monitoring, evaluation, and review of plan are conducted twice a year (once a year for the review of project planning). These will be done by the sub-committee or the working group that has been authorized by the National Committee on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Environment, or the Administrative Committee for the National OSH Agenda “Decent Safety and Health for Workers”. These sub-committees or working groups comprised of representatives from over 20 concerned authorities/organizations. Progress and outcomes derived from the implementation of this National Master Plan will be proposed to the National Committee for OSH Promotion, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, for further consideration.
(Source: oshthai.org)
