The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #61717

Garrett D. Brown, MPH, CIH, Maquiladora Health & Safety Support Network, P.O. Box 124, Berkeley, CA 94701-0124, 510-622-2913, gdbrown@igc.org

In the past several years, China has emerged as the leading manufacturer of consumer goods for the global economy. This process is accelerating with China's entry in the World Trade Organization. Health and safety conditions in China's workplaces vary significantly depending on the type of ownership (national or local governments, private Chinese investors, foreign investors), the employer's commitment to workplace safety, the role of local government agencies, and pressures from consumers, non-governmental organizations and "civil society" internationally. The presentation will describe actual factory conditions, the status of newly promulgated government regulations, and the impact of international "anti-sweatshop" campaigns on multinational corporations operating in China. A set of proposals to improve jobsite health and safety for both key actors in China and for international institutions and organizations will be described and evaluated.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to describe the key workplace hazards facing Chinese workers, evaluate the status of newly enacted health and safety regulations, and articulate policies needed to improve workplace health and safety in China.

Keywords: International Health, Workplace Safety

Related Web page: www.igc.org/mhssn

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.