Since embarking on a new and more open economic
policy in the 1980s, the Lao People’s Democratic
Republic has received foreign investment into its
economy. The changes have reaped infrastructure
development projects and the setting up of factories
and other small enterprises, all of which have created
employment opportunities. However, many workers
lack experience in factory work; their awareness and
understanding of the need for safety and of their right to
have their health protected needs to increase. Employers’
understanding of their responsibilities also needs to
increase. There is a perception that the prevention of
accidents is costly. Thus, a safety culture within many
enterprises needs to be strengthened.