Many Asian countries are now facing problems as far as occupational accidents and diseases are concerned. In Thailand, for instance, the number of occupational injuries and illnesses reported by the Workmen's Compensation Fund Office in 1998 amounted to 36.3 per 1,000 workers, while the death rate was 15.2 per 100,000 workers. These figures pertain only to the privatesector workforce registered under the insurance scheme, which totalled only 5 million. The total employed workforce, however, was approximately 30 million. Therefore, the official figures do not represent those for the whole working population of Thailand.
The situation is very similar in other newly industrialized countries of Asia, where cases of occupational accidents and diseases are commonly under-reported. Although the reported number of injured workers varies, depending on national reporting procedures, the annual rates in Asian countries are generally between 20 to 40 per 1,000 workers. However, in a few Asian countries - namely, Japan and Singapore - the rates are lower.
The manufacturing and construction industries account for the bulk of the occupational accidents, while a high number of fatalities was reported in mining and transport. The increased activities in the industrial and agriculture sectors presented workers with real health hazards. The wide variety of materials, equipment and new technologies adapted in industries manufacturing and agriculture has only increased the exposure of a large number of workers to hazardous environments. The highly risky environment and the transient nature of operations in most mining activities present workers with a very hazardous workplace.
The most common occupational diseases among the Asian countries are: noiseinduced deafness; poisoning (including pesticide, heavy metal, gas and vapour); industrial dermatitis; byssinosis; chronic chest pains; silicosis; asbestosis; and occupational asthma. However, in this regard, too, under-reporting is a serious problem. For instance, in 1998, 8,574 cases of occupational diseases were reported in Japan, 1,288 cases in Korea, and 37 cases in Thailand. These figures reflect the differences between Asian countries with respect to the availability of accurate statistics on occupational diseases and work-related accidents.
The prevailing situation should be cause for major concern, as it means human suffering, economic losses, and lower productivity at both the enterprise and the national levels.
It has been realized that the slow progress being made in the development of occupational health and safety in many Asian countries stems from lack of political will, lack of proper legislation, insufficient resources, lack of management's involvement within enterprises, inadequate preventive measures, inadequate utilization of existing preventive measures at workplaces, and the relaxed enforcement of the authorities. Therefore, each Asian country should pay increased attention to the following issues: Occupational health and safety should be brought to the attention of political decision-makers and the competent authorities. Enforcement of existing legislation and preventive measures should be stepped up. Education and training in OHS should be provided. The basic safety statistics should be harmonized. The parties concerned should become involved in OHS activities. The networking of OHS research institutions should be promoted. And, finally, OHS should be promoted at the enterprise level.
Dr. Chaiyuth Chavalitnitikul
Expert on OSH
Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Thailand