Regional Workshop on GHS Implementation

for ASEAN Countries

Nelia GranadillosOccupational Safety and Health CenterDepartment of Labor and Employment

Philippines

ASEAN GHS Project: 2005-2007

• Strengthen capacities in ASEAN to implement the GHS by the year 2008

• 3 pilot countries - Indonesia,Thailand, Philippines, • Organized by UNITAR/ILO under the Global GHS

Capacity Building Programme, and the Government of the Philippines

• Supported by Government of Switzerland, Canada and European Union

ASEAN GHS Project: 2005-2007

• Participation of 43 representatives from government, industry and civil society from 10 countries of ASEAN

• Developed recommendations for action at national and regional level.

• Reviewed the current status, challenges and limitations

Regional GHS Workshop Conclusions

• Reaffirmed WSSD 2008 target and 2006 APEC target

• Acknowledged the benefits of GHS• Agreed on the multi-sectoral mechanism• Considered to undertake national and regional

activities to overcome obstacles• Acknowledged the need for harmonization with

other international standards and conventions• Aimed to seek support from international donor

agencies

ASEAN COUNTRIES

• Brunei Darussalam• Cambodia• Indonesia• Laos• Malaysia

• Myanmar• Philippines• Singapore• Thailand• Vietnam.

Regional Activities in ASEAN

• Creation of ASEAN GHS Working group• Development of ASEAN GHS

Implementation Programme Intensify capacity building programs

Share the testing facilities in the region Undertake GHS capacity assessment Develop situational and gap analysis and

potentially suitable legislation Develop sectoral network to be involved

in the national coordinating committee ASEAN countries should be considered in the

UNSCEGHS

National Strategies

Government • prime movers covering a wide range of areas• develop the national implementation

strategies involving the industry and civil society

• officially legislate GHS• prescribe and conduct training program• incorporate chemical management in MDGs

National Strategies

Industry • develop the labels

and SDS and hazard classification

• Provide training• Advocate for

legislative support

• Civil society• information sharing• link to all sectors• serve as monitors to

ensure compliance • facilitate awareness

raising campaign • advocate for

legislative support

National StrategiesAll Sectors

• Identify funding opportunities• Develop and update the national profile • Monitor progress of implementation activities

Sectoral Activities

• Industrial Workplace – Provide incentive programs e.g “Best GHS Practitioner”

• Agriculture – Develop a comprehensive hazards classification

• Transport – Conduct situation/gap analysis and training to cover the drivers, customs, cargo handlers and emergency responders

• Consumer Products – Carry out information campaign and make clear for consumers the difference between risk and hazard based labels.

Issues

• What “consumer products” might be within the scope of GHS?

• How much information is required to classify mixtures?

• How can GHS be incorporated into education curriculum?

• Will there be an assessment of status of global implementation in 2008?

• Will guidance for implementation be developed?• How are chemical by products regarded under GHS?• How can it be ensured that micro and SMEs

understand the benefits of GHS?

Thank you

www.oshc.dole.gov.ph

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