"The absence of rigor and the failure of implementation": occupational health and safety in China.
Despite government concern with occupational health and safety (OHS) in China and the promulgation of new laws and regulations in 2002, a lack of rigor and lax implementation are major impediments to improvements in workplace safety. The article highlights important elements from the new Work Safety Law and the Law on the Prevention and Cure of Occupational Diseases, then analyzes key issues arising from bureaucratic excesses, the impact of government restructuring, continuing confusions and contradictions in government responsibility for OHS, and ongoing questions about the official duties and responsibilities of employing units, workers, and the trade union.
Pringle
Tim E
TE
Southeast Asia Research Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
Frost
Stephen D
SD
D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000517:prevention & control; D002681:China; D003032:Coal Mining / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D003906:Developing Countries; D004651:Employment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D007750:Labor Unions / Q000458:organization & administration*; D035846:Law Enforcement; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000517:prevention & control; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012941:Social Responsibility