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

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

3. General information Lao PDR
One of least developed countries in SE Asia with main Industries
Agriculture
Timber and Forestry
Hydro power
Mining
Construction
Garment
Ethnic groups 
Labour force total (2010 est.)
GDP
Service
Agriculture/Forestry
Industry
Other
Over 100 ethnic groups
3.69 million
37.2 %
30.4 %
26 %
6.4%
(Sources info: Laos Economic Profile 2012)
Population 2012 est.:
Capital :
6,500,000
Vientiane
Annual economic growth (2011)
GDP per capita
Minimum Wage
Trade Union
Members
8 %
$986/year
Equivalent $80/month
LFTU
154,965 (60,785 women)
(Sources info: National Economic Development plan )

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 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! 19