A sbestos issues in Lao PDR and the Mekong Region

1. Decent Work for All ASIAN DECENT WORK DECADE 2006-2015 Asbestos issues in Lao PDR and the Mekong Region InpengMeunviseth Deputy director of International Relation Department( Lao Federation of Trade Unions)

2. Current Asbestos use in SE Asia Region (Tons) 2011 • *China 637,000 • *Indonesia 124,000 • *Vietnam 63,587 • *Thailand 86,525 (*Top 10 world user) • Lao 9,000 (increase from 5,000 2009) • Philippine 4,620 • Malaysia 3,713 1 1

3. General information Lao PDR

4. Lao PDR, since 1990 has had a policy to open up to global economy and promote FDI to help develop quickly • Recently, the economy has been growing rapidly especially mining and construction [dams]. • Laos transforming to a market economy and aims to reach industrialized status by 2020. • No OHS laws specifically but covered broadly in Labour Law

5. Brief information about Asbestos use in Lao PDR • The LFTU is aware of ten asbestos roof sheet companies established in 8 different provinces. • Located near local communities • No specific regulations on asbestos use • Each factories have 20-60 workers (women 20%), who have low awareness of the danger of asbestos, often have no PPE and besides LFTU info and training - very little information

6. Lao asbestos issues • The inspection department (government) have limited knowledge and information on asbestos • The concerned Dept has not been active in fulfilling their inspection role no testing equipment • There are no specialist doctors or departments to prove, diagnose and treat occupational diseases

7. Asbestos issues and challenges • No National Asbestos Profile • Low consumer and worker awareness • There are no specific regulations on use • Workers and communities are being directly exposed • Low use of any PPE • Lao in 2012 has passed Hazardous Substances Regulation. Blue and Brown banned. White restricted import.

8. What LFTU and UAA APHEDA are doing! Asbestos Disease Prevention Program • Recent project cooperation with APHEDA and workshops ILO, Japan and Korea raised issue for first time • Now advocating for phase out of asbestos use and immediate reduction in exposure for workers and communities • Mapping/survey of roof factories • Information and training for workers • LFTU now raising issue strongly to government, employers and in National assembly

9. What LFTU and UAA APHEDA are doing! Asbestos Disease Prevention Program • Linking LFTU with ban asbestos groups and OHS institutes in the region • APHEDA also partnering with Ministry of Industry to promote dangers of asbestos, regulation and urgent phase out • Funding from some Australian unions, APHEDA Appeal and ANCP AusAID (Total $17,750 in 2012) • APHEDA seeking AusAID funds to expand program

10. National campaign • Organize the mobile training for W and E in roof sheet factory for improving the working condition in the workplace. • Cooperate with Ministry concern such as Ministry of industry and commerce, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Labor social and welfare. • Sharing information with concerning Ministry and sectors.

11. National campaign • Developing the First National Asbestos Profile • Establish the NAPL • Establish the Asbestos committee • To continue over hand the Asbestos posters and brochures for 10 factory and villages near by the factory.

12. Regional and global campaign • Exchange experience with Thailand, Vietnam and neighboring country. With the country ,who Banned Asbestos such as Australia, Korea , Japan and Ext…….. • Try to Ban Asbestos with ASEAN country • Cooperate and sharing information with ASEAN country and another country in the region.

16. National Strategy on Asbestos

19. Asbestos Out of Mekong We Need your Help!