New law to protect workers
By The Nation
Published on May 28, 2011
Workers should suffer fewer workrelated injuries because employers will face severe punishment violating law thanks to the Safety, Occupational Health and Environments Act 2011, which goes into effect from July 16.
Labour Protection and Welfare Department chief Amporn Nitisiri said yesterday that, after the new law is implemented, other organic laws and regulations will be drafted with regards to more details, such as the standard of occupational healthsafety management and fireprevention requirements. She said this law should benefit workers because state agencies would strictly control establishments for safety standards and employers breaking the law will face more severe jail terms and heavier fines.
Besides establishing the Work Safety Institute, an independent organisation promoting academic works and analysing data to improve the law, a Safety Fund - supported by government subsidies, donations, investment profits and fees - would offer employers loans to improve safety standards, she said.
The department will soon be informing employers and employees about the new law, she added.