Assessment of drivers and constraints to occupational safety and health improvement in the sugar cane supply chain in Colombia
This ILO study analyzes the factors that promote and hinder occupational safety and health across every link of the sugarcane supply chain in Colombia and proposes intervention models to strengthen it.
Colombia’s sugarcane supply chain is one of the most significant in the country’s agricultural sector, not only due to its contribution to the GDP and export capacity, but also because of its social impact: over 286,000 direct jobs and around 1.2 million people benefiting in rural areas. Despite advances in technology, diversified production, and sustainability, the sector faces occupational risks at every stage of the process—from land preparation to the production of sugar, alcohol, and bioenergy.
This study identifies nine key incentives to strengthen a culture of prevention, improve training, and ensure compliance with occupational safety and health (OSH) regulations, as well as five limitations that still hinder effective implementation, such as lack of awareness of the legislation, climate-related challenges, and limited access to specialized technical training. Based on these findings, the study proposes six concrete intervention models to improve OSH in the sector, using a comprehensive approach that engages public, private, and labor actors to promote decent work and sustainable development.