Canada-China Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Occupational Safety and Health

In September 2011, during a visit to Canada by a Vice Minister of China's State Administration of Work Safety (SAWS), an agreement was reached to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on cooperation in the area of occupational safety and health. The MOU was developed to improve occupational health and safety standards through the sharing of policies, practice, tools and expertise.

In April 2012, the Deputy Minister of Labour signed the MOU with her Vice-Ministerial counterpart from SAWS.

The MOU provides a framework for sharing information and best practices on occupational health and safety issues and will be in effect for five years.

Canada-China Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Occupational Safety and Health

Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between the Labour Program of the Department of Human Resources and Skills Development of Canada and the State Administration of Work Safety of the People's Republic of China in the Field of Occupational Safety and Health

The Labour Program of the Department of Human Resources and Skills Development of Canada and the State Administration of Work Safety of the People's Republic of China, hereafter referred to as "the Participants",

Recognizing the importance of cooperation in the field of occupational safety and health between their two countries,

Wishing to continue and strengthen their cooperation,

Have come to the following understanding

1. Overall Objective

The Participants intend to, through strengthened exchanges and cooperation in the field of occupational safety and health, share experiences and best practices in order to:

  1. improve occupational safety and health management systems;
  2. improve workplace safety and health; and
  3. protect workers' safety and health.

2. Main Areas of Cooperation

The Participants may cooperate in the following areas of activity:

  1. Development and improvement of occupational safety and health legislation and policies;
  2. Mechanisms and practices of occupational safety and health compliance and enforcement;
  3. Promotion of a preventative safety and health culture;
  4. Recruitment and training of health and safety officers;
  5. Best practices in performance measurements; and
  6. Hazards control measures and accidents prevention.

3. Means of Cooperation and Activities

  1. The Participants may cooperate through the following means:
    1. Joint short term studies on the above subjects;
    2. Joint workshops and seminars;
    3. Research and information exchanges;
    4. Exchange visits of experts and senior officials; and
    5. Other means as they may jointly decide upon.
  2. The Participants understand that the overall coordination for all activities under this Memorandum of Understanding will be done through International and Intergovernmental Labour Affairs of the Labour Program of the Department of Human Resources and Skills Development of Canada and the Department of International Cooperation of the State Administration of Work Safety of the People's Republic of China. The Participants may designate the appropriate unit or agency to extend cooperation under this Memorandum of Understanding.
  3. Where considered appropriate and necessary, the Participants may invite the participation of representatives of workers, employers and non-governmental organizations, as well as experts from universities and research institutions.

4. Timetable and Administrative Arrangements

  1. The Participants will establish a timetable and a work plan that they will revise regularly, taking into account the availability of funds and other domestic needs.
  2. Each Participant will pay for the expenses it incurs in the application of this Memorandum of Understanding.
  3. In the event of visits, the sending Participant will pay for the expenses incurred by its delegation such as accommodation and other incidental expenses. The sending Participant will ensure that its representatives have proper medical and emergency travel insurance in case of accident or illness.

5. Differences in interpretation and application

The Participants will resolve any difference in the interpretation and application of this Memorandum of Understanding through negotiations.

6. Coming into Effect and Duration

  1. This Memorandum of Understanding will come into effect upon its signature and will remain valid for five years.
  2. The Participants may amend this Memorandum of Understanding upon their mutual written consent.
  3. The Participants may terminate this Memorandum of Understanding by giving a written notice to the other Participant.

Signed in duplicate, at Beijing, this day of 2012, in the English, French and Chinese languages, each version being equally valid.


*signature*
For the Labour Program of the Department of Human Resources and Skills

*signature*
For the State Administration of Work Safety of the People's Republic of China


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