The massive Tianjiayi Chemical factory explosion in eastern Jiangsu province in late March, where at least 78 workers were killed, and many hundreds injured, is another tragic example of the weak Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) laws in China.

One of the main problems in achieving safer workplaces is the weal bargaining power of the great majority of Chinese workers.

APC was able to interview Geoffrey Crothall, the Communications Director of China Labour Bulletin, on the background to this disaster, the dynamics of OHS enforcement in China and the possible ways forward for increasing the strenght and effectiveness of workers organising, both at the local level and nationwide.

Asia Pacific Currents provides updates of labour struggles and campaigns from the Asia Pacific region. It is produced by Australia Asia Worker Links, in the studio of 3CR Radio in Melbourne, Australia