Occupational safety and health (OSH) is a discipline dealing with the prevention of injuries and work-related diseases and the protection and promotion of the health of workers. Its aim is to improve working conditions and environment. In October 2021, a meeting of experts adopted the first ILO code of practice on safety and health in textiles, clothing, leather and footwear industries. Based on international labour standards and other sectoral guidelines and tools, the code provides comprehensive and practical advice on how governments, employers, workers and their representatives should work together to eliminate, reduce and control all major hazards and risks. The code promotes a preventative safety and health culture in which the right to a safe and healthy working environment is respected at all levels, where government, employers and workers actively participate in improving safety and health through a system of defined rights, responsibilities and duties, and where the principle of prevention is accorded the highest priority. It further promotes OSH management systems as well as cooperation between employers and workers and their representatives. This course provides useful inputs for participants on how to eliminate, reduce and control all major hazards and risks (biological, ergonomic and physical hazards, hazards associated with dangerous substances, tools, machines and equipment, as well as building and fire safety).
- Policy makers, senior officials and advisers from government institutions in charge of the planning, implementation and management of OSH in the textiles, clothing, leather and footwear sector at the national or sectoral level. - Workers' and employers' representatives involved on OSH in the textiles, clothing, leather and footwear sector at the national level. - The programme may also be of interest to other people such as researchers, trainers or consultants on OSH with specific interest in the garment sector, as well as OSH staff of textiles, clothing, leather and footwear companies.