If the National Occupational Health and Safety Audit Report 2026 is any indication, workplace safety standards in Bhutan continue to vary widely. While some companies are setting strong examples, there are others still falling short of acceptable standards. The Department of Labour released the report today, coinciding with World Day for Safety and Health at Work.
Around 87 workplaces were assessed for Occupational Health and Safety(OHS) standards this time. Of these, around a quarter scored below 50 per cent. The highest compliance score was 82.20 per cent, while the lowest was 22.88 per cent.
According to the labour department, companies with poor performance are penalised and advised to improve their safety standards.
Officials said that compliance auditing and monitoring have become more stringent over the years, with stronger regulations in place. In 2018, 77 companies were recognised for scoring 70 per cent and above. This year, the number dropped to 15, reflecting stricter assessment standards and Bhutan’s growing emphasis on workplace safety.
Tashi Beverages Limited, the HILD-Rigsar Consortium, and the limestone unit and mining division of RSA Private Limited were recognised as the top three companies for upholding workplace safety. All three scored above 80 per cent.
“It’s the result of the collaborative efforts of our management and employees. We are striving to follow the policies and regulations of our company alongside the organisational commitments,” said Karma Chedup, HR manager with Tashi Beverages Ltd.
“Receiving the award and recognition is encouraging. We will work harder. We achieved this feat because of the combined effort of our colleagues,” said Rinchen Loday, OHSE Head, HILD-Rigsar Consortium.
For the first time since the awards began in 2018, recognition was extended to an individual.
Prabachan Giri, a safety officer with Tashi Metals Private Limited, was honoured for three consecutive years of consistent safety leadership. His recognition sets a new precedent for individual accountability in workplace safety.
Prabachan Giri said, “Receiving this award means a lot. It’s a proud moment for both my company and me. That shows the collaborative working environment and safety culture we build.”
The JICA Bhutan Office was also awarded a certificate of appreciation for its efforts in advancing occupational health and safety in Bhutan.
As compliance remains a work in progress, the awards are designed to drive improvement from within the industry.
“We want to ensure OHS compliance among companies on their own, without monitoring. We also want to encourage positive competition among the companies for compliance,” said Sonam Geley Dorjee, Dy. Executive Engineer with the department of labour.
So far, over 250 companies have been recognised for achieving 70 per cent or above compliance scores. The assessment covers companies across the manufacturing, construction, hydropower, mining, and services sectors.
A comprehensive copy of the audit report is expected next week.
Kelzang Chhophyel
Edited by Sonam Wangdi
