Cambodia has taken a major step toward strengthening workplace safety by advancing its first comprehensive Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Law, marking an important milestone in the country’s efforts to improve working conditions and align with international labour standards.
The latest round of tripartite consultations was held in Phnom Penh on 8 July 2026, organized by the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO). The consultation brought together around 200 representatives from government agencies, employers’ organizations, workers’ organizations, and development partners to review the draft legislation.
The proposed law is designed to modernize Cambodia’s occupational safety and health framework by consolidating more than 20 existing legal instruments into a single comprehensive legal framework. It also seeks to align national legislation with key International Labour Organization conventions, including the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) and the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187).
Minister of Labour and Vocational Training Heng Sour, who chaired the consultation, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a safe and healthy working environment for all workers. He stated that strengthening occupational safety is essential for promoting decent work, improving labour productivity, enhancing business competitiveness, and supporting Cambodia’s sustainable economic growth. He also emphasized the importance of close cooperation between government institutions, employers, and workers to ensure effective implementation and compliance with the new legislation.
The ILO highlighted that an effective occupational safety and health system requires a strong legal framework, capable institutions, effective enforcement mechanisms, and ongoing social dialogue among all stakeholders. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Cambodia throughout both the legislative process and future implementation of the law.
Representatives of employers and workers also expressed support for the draft legislation, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in promoting safer workplaces and protecting workers’ health across different industries.
ILO technical experts noted that the draft law has been significantly strengthened through multiple rounds of consultation. The proposed legislation adopts a risk-based, prevention-focused approach, promotes a stronger workplace safety culture, and establishes a tripartite mechanism involving government, employers, and workers in occupational safety and health governance.
The consultation was supported through the ILO–Japan project “Promoting a Safe and Healthy Working Environment in Thailand and Cambodia,” funded by the Government of Japan, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen workplace safety standards across the region.
