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Nora Garry and Bridget Maley
Indonesia
Notre Dame High School
Rutgers Model United Nations
International Labour Organization
Topic: Health and Safety Regulations
20-23 November 2008
Health and Safety Regulations
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaims that “everyone has the
right…to just and favourable conditions of work (“Universal Declaration of Human
Rights”)”. However, the member states of the United Nations have fallen short of this
ideal, since as of 2003, 2.2 million work-related deaths are estimated to occur globally
each year (“Global Strategy on Occupational Safety and Health”). The number of injured
has been on the rise, and will continue to increase if not acted upon. The individuals in
work-related accidents are faced with suffering, financial hardship, and compromised
earning potential. Furthermore, companies confront diminished efficiency as a result of a
decreased workforce, and must reduce revenue funds for workers’ compensation and
disability payments. In addition, an enormous strain is placed on the healthcare system of
the nation Occupational accidents extensively impact not only the lives of the affected
workers and their families, but also the companies for which they work, and the society
in which they live.
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There is a lack of public awareness regarding occupational safety; the issue does
not receive the consideration it deserves, neither in developed nor developing states.
Developed states, though they have adopted models of occupational health and safety,
have failed to implement and enforce them fully. On the other hand, developing states
are so desperate for industrialization that they have ignored the dangers and hazards that
result from a lack of occupational regulation. Consequently, international corporations,
intent on making a profit, have taken advantage of the lack of legislation in developing
states, thus creating a dangerous double standard between their home bases and their
temporary hosts. They seek a solution to workplace accidents that does not conflict with
their earnings (Syarief 7). In contrast, small- and medium-sized domestic enterprises do
not seek a solution due to their deficiency of resources and superseding concern in
accumulating revenue (Syarief 8). Whereas employers tend to favor a lack of
occupational regulation, labor unions are primarily interested in the rights of the workers
and lobby extensively on their behalf for legislation regarding health and safety
measures. The United Nations has a moral obligation to ensure each person a healthy and
safe workplace, and must do so expediently.
Indonesia calls for new comprehensive and progressive health and safety
regulations reform. For instance, Indonesia suggests the employment of a global
knowledge and awareness campaign to promote the visibility of preventative health and
safety measures at the workplace. Furthermore, Indonesia supports the implementation
of national programs specifically focused on occupational safety and health. Moreover,
Indonesia urges for the assessment of member states’ programs, and the allocation of
funding where necessitated. In addition, Indonesia encourages the formation of labor
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unions, and acknowledges their role in a fair political process. In an effort to obliterate
double standards, Indonesia proposes that multinational corporations must have uniform
standards—that their operations in host countries must equal those in their home
countries. To support regulation in small- and medium-sized enterprises, Indonesia
endorses the use of small loans for the purpose of developing occupational safety and
health. Additionally, Indonesia supports educational programs in order to train people for
hazardous jobs. Indonesia also calls for increased acknowledgment of the informal
economy sector—for “practical training tools, local resource persons, and national policy
support” (Syarief 14).
The United Nations will undoubtedly encounter some obstacles in attempting to
enact this plan. The multinational corporations, with their monopoly on their industries,
will definitely be opposed to the measures taken. In order to gain their compliance, the
member states can threaten a boycott against those companies who refuse to uphold the
standards of the ILO. Some countries may resent UN intrusion in calling for each
country to implement an occupational safety and health program, citing a lack of funding.
However, we can counteract that through the proposed assessment of each national
program, which would isolate areas in need of funds. If the small- and medium-sized
enterprises are against regulation, the recommended small loans will encourage them.
It is necessary for the United Nations to secure the compliance of each member
state in order to gain “adequate protection for the life and health of workers in all
occupations”, as set forth in the constitution of the International Labour Organization
(“Constitution of the International Labour Organization”).
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Works Cited
“Constitution of the International Labour Organization.” International Labour
Organization. 1944. 27 October 2008
< http://www.ilo.org/ilolex/english/constq.htm>.
“Global Strategy on Occupational Safety and Health”. International Labour
Organization. 2003. 27 October 2008
< http://www.ilo.org/public/english/protection/safework/globstrat_e.pdf>
Syarief, Audi. “Health and Safety Regulations.” Rutgers Model United Nations.
Director’s Brief for the International Labor Organization. The Institute for
Domestic and International Affairs. 2008. 27 October 2008 <www.idia.net>.
“Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” United Nations. 1948. 27 October 2008
< http://www.un.org/Overview/rights.html>.