Tsuyoshi Kawakami

Action-oriented support for occupational safety and health programs in some developing countries in Asia

Action-oriented support programs have been increasingly playing vital roles in promoting safety and health in developing countries in Asia. This paper studied achievements of 3 action-oriented support programs: the WISE program for small enterprises, the WIND program for farmers, and the POSITIVE program for workers and trade unions. Special attention was paid to how the programs have strengthened local efforts for sustainable actions in safety and health improvements. The results showed that there were significant achievements in action-oriented support programs in the region, including a large number of improvement examples, integration into government policies, and network support through employers’ and workers’ organizations. Participatory, action-oriented training tools such as action-checklists, local good example photos, and group work methods played key roles in the effective implementation of the programs. It was of note that there were a number of local efforts to extend the coverage of action-oriented support even to hard-to-reach workers such as home-based workers, rural workers, and ethnic minorities. The efforts included the equal participation in the training by female and male farmers, shortened and weekend training programs, photo sheets showing local good examples, and reasonable fee collection for better sustainability. In conclusion, action-oriented support programs provided local people with concrete means to promote safety and health improvements. The successful programs commonly focused on local initiatives and were built on local wisdom and resources.

Current research‐Ergonomics

Cites twenty references from the literature on the application of ergonomic principles in Asia and the pacific rim countries, regarding workplace and equipment design with the objective of improving on employee occupational health and safety. Lists a number of examples applicable to sugar refining, the handling of heavy metals, optical equipment, the textile industry, rice farming and agriculture, and the number of hours worked.

Improving conditions of work and life in a rural district in the Mekong Delta area in Vietnam

Describes a research project into emerging health risks to farmers in the Mekong Delta. It is a joint effort between Vietnam and Japan. Subjects include workload studies of rice harvesting, canal maintenance and time‐budget among local farmers. Seminars are then conducted, and improvements formulated and implemented.

Participatory Training to Improve Safety and Health in Small Construction Sites in Some Countries in Asia Development and Application of the WISCON Training Program

A participatory training program, Work Improvement in Small Construction Sites, was developed to provide practical support measures to the small construction sector. Managers and workers from selected small sites were interviewed about their occupational safety and health risks. The Work Improvement in Small Construction Sites training program comprised a 45-item action checklist, photos, and illustrations showing local examples and group work methods. Pilot training workshops were carried out with workers and employers in Cambodia, Laos, Mongolia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Participants subsequently planned, and using locally available low-cost materials, implemented their own improvements such as hand-made hand trucks to carry heavy materials, removal of projecting nails from timber materials, and fences to protect roof workers from falling. Local Work Improvement in Small Construction Sites trainers consisting of government officials, workers, employers, and nongovernment organization representatives were then trained to implement the Work Improvement in Small Construction Sites training widely. Keys to success were easy-to-apply training tools aiming at immediate, low-cost improvements, and collaboration with various local people’s networks.

Current research‐Psychosocial issues

Points to the contrast between traditional working life patterns and the demands of an increasingly industrialized and high technology society, for the increase in workplace psychological problems in Asia and the pacific rim countries. Lists and discusses ten literature references relating to the title material. Mentions the effects of pollution, cases of observed mass hysteria, the relationship between overtime and absenteeism and finally cultural factors on employee mental health and productivity.

Current research‐Welfare

Gives several examples from many countries of the rapid development in research on welfare, epidemiology, ergonomics, psychosocial issues, occupational medicine, toxicology, occupational hygiene, environmental health, and biological monitoring in the Asia‐Pacific region. These examples are chosen primarily to illustrate the large range of subjects researched and the wide number of countries involved.

Organization and services in occupational and environmental health

Describes how many Asia‐Pacific countries have experienced a major shift in occupational health services in the last two decades. There is an extension of occupational health services with more co‐ordinated efforts of all social partners, action programmes with emphasis on practical risk assessment and primary prevention, and more active participation of managers and unions, supported by occupational health personnel.