11 June 2019
Myanmar

Myanmar | Occupational Health & Safety Law 2019

Employment and working conditions have powerful effects on the quality of health. A good working condition aims to provide social protection and status, personal development opportunities, and protection from physical and psychosocial hazards. In order to be able to maintain a sustainable household income, productivity and economic development, the health of workers is an essential prerequisite. Thus, an important function of the health services is to restore and maintain working capacity. Enacting a strong domestic legislation for the protection of workplace health and safety is also important for the country as workers are the backbone of any economy and will drive it forward.

In Myanmar, the enactment of the Occupational Health & Safety Law 2019 (“OHSL”) is a major step towards a safer workplace environment. Previously, there was no specific law concerning occupational health and safety and the Factory Act 1951 was used as the principal legislation regarding worksite safety and health measure. The draft law was issued in 2017 with the purpose to effectively implement measures related to safety and health at every industry, prevent by the workplace accidents and occupational diseases and set occupational safety and health standards.

On 15 March 2019, Pyidaungsu Hluttaw enacted the OHSL, however it has yet to come into force pending notification by the President. The new law is set to play a pivotal role in preventing workplace injuries, diseases and deaths with the aim to provide a framework for coordinated action across the different sectors. Anyone who currently carries out or wishes to start establishing a business in any industries provided under the OHSL will need to register with the Factories and General Labour Laws Inspection Department (“the Department”) for the purpose of safety and health. The law applies to government agencies, department and organisations, institutions, co-operatives, both domestic and foreign companies and joint-ventures. This includes the hospitality, transport, construction, retail, services and manufacturing industries.

Offences and penalties under the OHSL

SectionRelevant Person
Offences
Penalties
Either imprisonment or fine or both
ImprisonmentFine (MMK)
53EmployerFailure to:

  • appoint health and safety officer and form workplace health and safety committee;
  • comply with the obligations of employer;
  • comply with provisions regarding dismissal or detriment of the worker; and
  • comply with provisions regarding allowing previous work or any suitable work and arrange healthy environment for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Maximum three monthsMinimum 1 million to maximum 5 million
57EmployerFailure to inform of  accidents, dangerous occurrences, occupational diseases, occupational poisoning,  investigation  and reportingMaximum one monthMinimum 2 million
61 (a)EmployerFailure to obey the order of Inspectors to temporarily stop work and terms and conditions and instructions issued by the InspectorMaximum three monthsMinimum 3 million to maximum 5 million
61 (b)EmployerIn the case of continuing offence after sentencing under section 61(a)100,000 per day
62EmployerViolate the provisions regarding working hours in hazardous industries and failure to shoulder any expenditure for occupational health and safety measuresMaximum three monthsMinimum 2 million to maximum 5 million
54WorkerFailure to follow the workers’ duties and obligationsMaximum  30,000

 

55WorkerFailure to:

  • take reasonable care for the safety and health of himself and other persons who may be affected by his acts or omissions at work; and
  • immediately report any situations, causes and incidents.
Maximum three monthsMaximum  100,000
52Occupational Health and Safety OfficerFailure to obey regulations, orders, instructions and procedures issued under this lawMaximum three monthsMinimum 500,000    to maximum 1 million
56Manufacturer, Importer, install or demolish and constructorFailure to follow obligationsMaximum three monthsMinimum 1,000,000    to maximum 5 million
58Registered/ Certified doctorFailure to submit a report relating to the occupational disease to relevant employer, department and a copy to Ministry of Health and SportMaximum 500,000

 

59 (a)Authorised examinerFailure to obey the terms and conditions issued by the DepartmentMaximum three monthsMinimum 1 million to maximum 5 million
59 (b)Training providerFailure to obey the terms and conditions issued by the DepartmentMinimum 500,000 to maximum 1 million
59 (c)Founder of Training InstituteFailure to obey the terms and conditions issued by the Department 

Minimum 1 million to maximum 5 million
64Chief Inspector and InspectorsHolds any position in the business, plant,  factory and industry and failed to disclose any confidential matter which has come to his knowledge while performing duties under this law (except as witness during court proceeding)Maximum three monthsMinimum 500,000 to maximum 1.5 million
60WhoeverFailure to register with the Department and inform regarding to the construction, installation, expansion and demolitionMinimum 1 million to maximum 5 million
60WhoeverActing as authorised examiner or training provider and establish a training institute without any certificate of approval issued by the Director GeneralMaximum three monthsMinimum 5 million to maximum 10 million
63WhoeverWithout the consent of  the Chief Inspector, remove, destroy, add, replace or alter whole or any part of the machineries, equipment, layout or substances which contributed to the cause of  any accidentMaximum three monthsMinimum 3 million to maximum 10 million
65WhoeverWhoever violates any provisions of any regulations and rules made under the OHSLMaximum three monthsMinimum 20 million

One of the key highlights of the OHSL is the establishment of a new tripartite National OSH Council, which is expected to be made up of workers, employers and the government, and will require employers to set up OSH committees at workplace level to help prevent occupational accidents and diseases. It is hoped that this will help to strengthen national and enterprise level social dialogue on occupational health and safety, which ultimately will improve the competitiveness of Myanmar’s companies in ASEAN and the world.

The enactment of the OHSL is the latest in a series of labour laws passed by the Parliament, including the Social Security Law 2012, the Minimum Wage Law 2013 and the Employment and Skills Development Law 2013. As there are limited regulations on work safety and health protection, with no legal establishes safety standards, there will be many challenges ahead in implementing a new national work safety and health protection system. The government will need to promote education and awareness programs to educate the people on the new law and decrees and regulations will need to be drafted and amended in order to support the new law.

The OHSL lays down and establish the duties and responsibilities of those who are responsible under this law, including workers and employers. Previously, inspectors will be appointed for the inspection of the safety of working environment and the Department can give instructions for occupation safety measures. When OHSL comes into force, it will provide for a more effective work on educat millioners and employers on safety, conducting inspections, and providing assistance. The implementation of OHSL will support the prevention of work-related accidents, occupational disease and as well as support the workers with a safe, sound and healthy working environment.

If you have any questions or require any additional information, please contact Thuzar Tin, Pyae Sone Thein Htike or the ZICO Law Myanmar partner you usually deal with.


This alert is for general information only and is not a substitute for legal advice.