The International Labour Organization (ILO) has delivered occupational safety and health training to worker representatives from Thailand’s rubber sector, focusing on risk assessment, workplace safety systems and worker participation.
Held on 17 and 18 September 2026, the programme brought together 22 representatives from 10 workers’ organisations.
Practical safety training
The two day programme focused on measures that participants can apply within their workplaces.
Training covered hazard identification, risk assessment and control, reporting occupational accidents and diseases, developing evidence based workplace safety policies and improving cooperation between workers and management.
Participants also visited workplaces to identify examples of occupational safety and health practices.
Rubber sector hazards
Workers throughout Thailand’s rubber supply chain can encounter different occupational hazards.
Rubber tapping can involve risks associated with sharp tools, chemicals and venomous animals, while processing workers can be exposed to chemicals and fumes.
The ILO also highlighted psychosocial hazards, including violence and harassment, as an occupational safety and health concern.
An ILO assessment of Thailand’s rubber supply chain previously identified gaps in safety management, particularly within upstream rubber tapping.
These included limited access to safety information, systematic training and personal protective equipment.
Further along the supply chain, chemicals and fumes were identified as higher risk hazards requiring stronger preventative measures.
Worker participation
Dr Yuka Ujita, Senior OSH Specialist at the ILO, said: “The participants are equipped with the knowledge and skills, not only to conduct risk assessment and control in their own workplace, but also to help their colleagues to improve the safety and health through the OSH management system,”
The training forms part of the ILO’s Strengthening Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and Trade Readiness in Thailand Project, funded by Employment and Social Development Canada.
The project supports safe and healthy working environments and contributes to implementation of international labour standards, including ILO Conventions 155 and 187.
