Owners or directors of factories and other large businesses whose negligence cause fires or mass fainting incidents — affecting worker safety, health and public order — will face legal fines and may also be subject to criminal prosecution, especially in the dry season.
The warning was issued by the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training in a new directive on strengthening fire prevention measures and enhancing occupational safety and health, released Tuesday, December 2.
The directive follows the ministry’s close observation of changing weather conditions, which may cause various hazards in workplaces.
To continue improving occupational safety and health and to maintain a safe working environment — especially regarding fires and mass faintings — the ministry reminded factory and enterprise owners/directors to exercise increased vigilance and implement several essential measures. These include regular inspection of electrical systems, monitoring the temperature of electrical equipment and the maintenance of all electric machinery, all common causes of workplace fires. They should also monitor temperatures within their facilities.
In addition, employers should provide education and training to workers on safety signs, evacuation procedures and conduct emergency drills, regularly check first-aid tools and infirmary operations, and test and maintain fire prevention systems and equipment, including hoses, sprinklers, alarm systems, smoke detectors and emergency lighting.
Emergency exits must be safe, unobstructed, unlocked and equipped with automatic lighting. Employers must prepare emergency response plans by assessing hazardous areas — especially those involving chemicals or flammable materials — and ensure they are stored away from working areas.
They must also maintain ventilation systems and activate them for at least one hour before workers begin their shift.
During hot weather, employers must open windows and doors or install additional exhaust fans, arrange materials neatly to avoid blocking airflow, and advise workers to drink at least one glass of water every 15–20 minutes and dress appropriately for the weather. Factories should operate rooftop water-sprinkling systems or install netting over rooftops to reduce heat.
The ministry also instructed employers to prevent the spread of toxic substances that may cause harm to workers — especially from pest-control chemicals used inside or outside the facility — and strengthen the role of Workplace Safety and Health Committees, including conducting regular risk assessments.
For factories using steam boilers, regular inspections must be carried out to ensure compliance with technical and safety standards, and operators must hold proper permits and training issued by the ministry or relevant institutions.
“Owners or directors of factories and enterprises who neglect or fail to comply with this directive, resulting in harm to life, property, public security, or public order, shall face penalties under the Labour Law and other criminal sanctions as stated in Article 30 of the Law on Fire Prevention and Extinguishing, as well as other applicable laws,” warned the directive, signed by labour minister Heng Sour.
In case of emergencies, owners, directors and workers should contact the ministry via the hotline 1286 or 1297, through the Telegram groups “For Employers” and “For Workers”, or file complaints through the ministry’s anonymous complaint system for risk assessment related to worker safety and health — especially during extreme heat conditions.
