Private sector companies engaged in development projects often lack the proper understanding of project-specific safeguard requirements which can result in setbacks due to compliance issues. In many cases, contractors devolve or outsource the E&S role to other consultants but few have established E&S units or hire personnel as part of their organizational structures. For larger infrastructural projects, international companies that bid often have their own safeguard policies and procedures in place which is for the most part, set up on the basis for meeting the minimum requirements and standards. As donors’ safeguard policies and standards evolve, so does the expectations on private sector companies to comply – moving from good practices to best practices. Best practices standards themselves evolve over time, so target minimum and good practice standards will adjust at the same time as well. One key area of safeguards that place enormous responsibilities on contractors and builders relates to occupational health and safety standards (OHS). This module will open up discussions on specific OHS requirements, roles and responsibilities for implementation, monitoring and reporting for compliance by contractors and sub-contractors. It will also explore the roles of the national Government (national EIA regulator) and the donor – World Bank and/or Asian Development Bank, particularly from a quality assurance perspective of auditing E&S performance etc. This module aims to:
- Introduce participants (namely contractors & sub-contractors) to their obligations for complying with the WB/ADB OHS requirements and standards.
- Share experiences and lessons learned of managing OHS issues throughout a project life-cycle across the Pacific.