According to record on illness or accidents at work from Office of the
Workmen’s Compensation Fund in 2004. It was convinced that employees who
exposed to chemicals had no protective behavior which should be considered as
significance for preventing injuries.
Labor Law of United States clearly identifies that employees who work with
chemical substances must have knowledge about the dangers of the chemicals and
how to protect themselves from those chemicals in order to promote safety in
workplace (U.S. Department of Labor, 2005: Online). In Thailand, the Labor
Protection Act; Section of Joint 1 (4-19) regulates safety at workplaces for employees
involved with chemicals. It stipulates that the employers or the workplace must
provide labels on the packages or containers of all harmful chemicals. The labels must
contain the following details: chemical or scientific names, quantity, components,
harmful and toxic symptoms, storage warnings, directions, chemical disposal and first
aid in case of an accident. Employers should provide an annual medical check up for
employees to help prevent health problems caused by toxic chemicals.
The Labor Protection Act, Section of Joint 2(21-22) section 2 regulates the
standard of personal protective equipment. It stipulates that employees who use
chemicals must wear personal protective equipment to prevent chemicals from
spreading into their eyes, and use masks to prevent inhalation of dust and gas. This
policy is required as a basic standard for health and safety. In general, each workplace
applies this policy by providing personal protective equipment, and training
employees about chemicals to prevent harm that may occur to employees. The employees must follow the regulations, orders, requirements or measures and wear all
equipment provided by employers for their safety.