Our Work in the Natural Stone Sector to Improve Worker Wellbeing

Following a comprehensive assessment of risks in Vietnam’s natural stone sector in 2022, The Centre has continued our collaboration with the Dutch/Flemish TruStone Initiative, expanding our work to cover China and developing guidance documents for importers and suppliers. TruStone is a multistakeholder initiative that aims to facilitate more responsible production and the purchase of natural stones. The Centre has developed guidance documents on supplier engagement for the Trustone Initiative. 

The work related to the natural stone sector in China has included the development of two guidance documents, one for importers and another for suppliers, and direct consultancy and advice to TruStone member companies. The guidelines aim to safeguard workers and set a precedence for responsible business practices in the natural stone sector. A key initiative has been the development of a comprehensive guidance document for suppliers, employers and workers in China's natural stone industry, commissioned by CNV Internationaal and TruStone. Addressing crucial areas such as Occupational Safety and Health, working hours, decent work for youth, employment contracts, social security, and environmental risks, the document is a roadmap for implementing local and national legislation and best practices.

By prioritising worker safety, health, and wellbeing, this guidance helps staff under TruStone companies manage risks and make operations more sustainable in the long run. Beyond the immediate benefits to businesses, the positive long-term impact of such measures is not confined to the business realm but resonates in the lives of children who benefit from having parents engaged in safe and sustainable work practices.