3
Central Registry on Chemicals should also be set up to advise members of the public of the risks of
dangerous substances and their safety precautions.
I am particularly concerned about the proposed
establishment of the Occupational Safety and Health Council. I hope it will not only assume an independent and overall role in promoting safety and protecting the health of workers, but also recommend positive and practicable ways to avoid unnecessary
casualties among workers.
Finally, I would like to comment on the time taken in the introduction of labour legislation and manner of enforcement. The usual excuse of delay in introducing legislation as given by
-the officials concerned is that there is a shortage of staff in
the Legal Department. This cannot be accepted as a responsible
answer because labour legislation concerns the interest of over two million employees and the safety of the workers is at stake. Apart from that, inadequate enforcement of the law has been-
attributed to the shortage of Factory inspectors. In this
connection, I think the authorities concerned should try to let
labour unions play a role in this area by allowing them to take part in the monitoring of the safety standards or by the setting up of safety committees in factories. This will be a more
effective solution to the problem.
Sir, with these remarks, I support the motion.
SogAy