Occupational safety and health essential for green jobs

The Director General of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Dr. Champika Amarasinghe, told an ILO supported training workshop on Green Jobs project, "When we initially had the idea of conducting this workshop, we noticed that people who work in this field are often neglected and most people don't realise that they do an important job."

Dr. Amarasignhe said that most waste collectors develop various illnesses particularly respiratory illnesses. Occupational safety and health is important to ensure decent work for men and women. However, occupational safety and health challenges are many in Sri Lanka with an increasing number of fatalities attributable to occupational accidents.

Inadequate safety gear, unsafe working environment, lack of awareness on safety measures and its impact on one's health have been found to be some of the causes of this problem.

The ILO and its partners have stepped in to implemen a Green Jobs programs which would create better working conditions, improving productivity and worker- health. NIOSH said that the programs would yield a positive outcome in raising safety standards while minimising health issues faced by employees.

The objective of the training workshop conducted by the Waste Management Authority (WMA), National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) was to create awareness on improving the safety, health and efficiency of waste collectors.

The project was funded by the ILO- Government of Australia Partnership Agreement. Waste collectors and those who work in this field and public health officials were present.

The Director-General of NIOSH stressed the importance of taking care of oneself by wearing safety gear.

Although workers find it uncomfortable to wear them , she said that by considering safety before comfort, they would not only protect themselves from various diseases, they would also be able to increase their income as well.

Lack of public cooperation and lack of respect for waste pickers was a constant challenge in the waste sector. Even if requested most people don't use garbage bags and are reluctant to adhere to waste collecting time schedules provided by the authorities.

The Employers Federation of Ceylon nurtures green jobs. Ms. Thamali Senanayake of The Employers' Federation of Ceylon (EFC) explained how they are currently working in partnership with the ILO on a Green Jobs Project.

This project is carried out so that technical and managerial aspects of employers are looked into.

The Green Team of EFC has been trained and is currently analysing the responses received from employers. The Ceylon Workers' Congress showed optimism regarding new employment opportunities in green jobs. The Vice President and Director of International Affairs of the CWC, D. Mathiyugaraja said with ILO assistance and the Ministry of Labour, a great deal of work has been carried out to promote green jobs.

Mathiyugaraja said that the trade union was willing to take the challenge to make an impact and change the system.

The CWC, ILO and CEPA are currently piloting a project curriculum for green jobs.