Training on safe, healthy work conditions

The International Labour Organization (ILO) conducted an awareness and training programme on Work Adjustment and Recycling for Managing Waste (WARM) in collaboration with the Western Province Waste Management Authority (WMA) on August 22 and 23 to promote safe and healthy work conditions for waste collectors and related workers.

Government and local government officials, local community leaders, waste contractors, truck drivers and waste collectors' representatives attended this interactive workshop.

This initiative was funded by the Australian government through the partnership agreement of 2010-2015 with the ILO.

Western Province Waste Management Authority Director Priyantha Samarakkody reiterated at this workshop, his support and commitment to provide training on occupational safety and health to all members of his 4,000 strong work force with technical assistance from the ILO.

Specialist on Occupational Safety and Health of the ILO Decent Work Technical Support Team for the East and South East Asia and the Pacific Dr Ton That Khai was the chief resource person and trainer.

The National Institute of Occupation Safety and Health (NIOSH) under the Labour and Labour Relations Ministry will provide support to extend the outreach of this training programme to other sectors.

In accordance to the Parisara Mithuro programme 2011, the WMA under the theme, Better sanitation for better productivity, addresses issues of general health and occupational safety for workers in the waste management sector. The ILO promotes a green jobs initiative aiming to strengthen work which can contribute to greening the environment. Minimizing all forms of waste and pollution and building a sound and safe waste management system are important components of this initiative.