Premier Mao Chi-kuo today commended the Ministry of Labor (MOL) for its efforts in implementing the new occupational safety and health system, which helped lower work-related injuries to 3.453 per thousand workers in 2014.
The MOL reported to the Cabinet that it has been focusing on injury prevention and workplace condition regulations since the Occupational Safety and Health Act was enacted July 3, 2013. The MOL also revised 60 other laws and regulations related to the act.
"Occupational safety and health influences participation across the entire workforce. If a sector performs poorly in this regard, it will not be able to attract young workers, but enforcing the act will help improve the problem," Mao said.
The MOL has selected certain sectors for government assistance and will help them make the transformation, the premier added. Improving safety and working conditions is expected to ease problems of not finding enough workers.
As populations age, the average age of workers in the marketplace will also rise, Mao continued. Countries around the world have therefore begun changing workplace environment standards. He hoped the MOL will keep pace with international trends and improve the working environment for older workers.
Understanding the importance of occupational health and safety to national competitiveness, the MOL set up the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in February 2014 to consolidate relevant laws, policies and systems and supervise enforcement thereof. The OSHA has already improved administrative efficacy, strengthened workplace safety and protections, and revised the Occupational Safety and Health Act to widen coverage to 10.86 million workers from all sectors.
In addition, the OSHA has created a safety oversight mechanism for machinery, equipment and chemicals. Programs are being implemented to help difficult and high-risk sectors improve their work environments and to transform the foundry sector into a clean, competitive industry offering lifelong careers for workers. These efforts will make the traditional industries more attractive to young workers, the MOL said.
In the year since the establishment of the administration, occupational injuries have dropped to its lowest rate ever while new labor safety laws have been introduced. The MOL will cooperate with other agencies and local governments to promote the new system and lower the risk of workplace accidents, ensuring that everyone has a safe and healthy environment in which to work.