PHNOM PENH: Cambodia has taken another significant step toward strengthening its legal framework for workplace protection, as the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT), in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), convened the Second National Tripartite Consultation Workshop on the Draft Law on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH).

Held on 8 July 2026 at Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel, the consultation brought together representatives from government ministries and institutions, employers' organizations, trade unions, development partners, civil society organizations, and international agencies to review and provide further input on the draft legislation before its formal adoption.

The proposed law, comprising nine chapters and 67 articles, is designed to establish a comprehensive legal framework to improve occupational safety and health standards across Cambodia, in line with international labour standards and the country's evolving labour market.

Opening the workshop, H.E. Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training and Chairman of the National Occupational Safety and Health Committee, said the draft law reflects the Royal Government of Cambodia's strong commitment to protecting workers while promoting sustainable economic development.

He noted that the legislation is aligned with the Labour, Social Security and Technical and Vocational Education and Training Sector Strategic Development Plan 2024–2028 and the Third National Occupational Safety and Health Master Plan (2023–2027).

"Our vision is to ensure that every workplace has an effective occupational safety and health management system capable of preventing workplace accidents and occupational diseases," the minister said.

According to H.E. Heng Sour, the draft law consolidates more than 20 existing regulations and ministerial proclamations relating to occupational safety and health into a single comprehensive legal instrument.

He emphasized that the legislation is intended to strengthen Cambodia's labour productivity, improve the country's international competitiveness, and support sustainable economic growth while aligning Cambodia with other ASEAN member states that have already enacted dedicated OSH legislation.

The minister further stressed that the new law would help Cambodia meet emerging international requirements, particularly those related to Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD), which are becoming increasingly important in global supply chains and international trade.

H.E. Heng Sour also highlighted the importance of Cambodia's tripartite approach, emphasizing that effective labour legislation should be developed through open, balanced, and constructive dialogue among the government, employers, and workers.

"The second national consultation represents another important milestone in reviewing the revised provisions of the draft law to ensure they respond to Cambodia's changing economic context, maintain a balance between worker protection and business competitiveness, and comply with international labour standards, particularly ILO Conventions No. 155 and No. 187," he said.

Representatives from the ILO, employer organizations, and trade unions welcomed the government's continued commitment to developing a modern occupational safety and health legal framework.

Mr. Thun Sophean, ILO National Coordinator for Cambodia, Oknha Sor Kinal, Vice President of the Cambodian Federation of Employers and Business Associations (CAMFEBA), and Mr. Ly Vichet, President of the Sokphumongkol Workers' Union Federation and Vice Chair of the National OSH Subcommittee, all expressed support for the draft law.

They said the legislation would strengthen workplace safety and health protections, reflect ILO core values, improve Cambodia's competitiveness in international markets, and contribute to the national campaign of "One Enterprise, One Safe Community."

Meanwhile, Mr. Sok Kin, President of the Building and Wood Workers Trade Union Federation of Cambodia (BWTUC), voiced strong support for the draft legislation while calling for its formal adoption as soon as possible.

Speaking during the consultation, Mr. Sok Kin noted that while the draft law represents an important milestone, several provisions—particularly Articles 27 to 39, which govern construction safety—could be further strengthened to better address the practical realities and high-risk nature of Cambodia's construction industry.

He also welcomed the provision allowing the Minister of Labour to issue implementing regulations that would provide more detailed guidance after the law enters into force.

Although it remains unclear to what extent stakeholders' recommendations will be incorporated into the final text, Mr. Sok Kin described the draft law as an important foundation that will establish minimum occupational safety standards and encourage employers across all sectors to strengthen their responsibilities for protecting workers.

Participants concluded that the second consultation demonstrated Cambodia's continued commitment to developing a modern, internationally aligned occupational safety and health framework that protects workers, enhances investor confidence, promotes decent work, and supports the country's long-term sustainable economic development.

Once enacted, the Occupational Safety and Health Law is expected to become one of Cambodia's key labour laws, providing stronger legal protection for workers while helping ensure safer, healthier, and more productive workplaces nationwide.