Advancing occupational safety and health in the informal economy
Training workshop empowers local actors to improve safety and health of waste pickers
25 June 2025
Lephalale, South Africa – 13 June 2025 – The International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with local stakeholders, successfully concluded a four-day Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop aimed at enhancing occupational safety and health (OSH) for waste pickers. Held from 10 to 13 June 2025 in Lephalale and Mogalakwena, the workshop brought together over 30 participants, including municipal officials, NGO staff, community leaders, and occupational safety and health practitioners.
Waste pickers play an essential role in recycling in the circular economy but often face hazardous working conditions with limited access to safety equipment, healthcare, and social protection. To address these challenges, the ILO introduced its Waste and Recycling Module (WARM) – a practical, participatory tool designed to help identify and mitigate workplace risks in the informal waste sector.
This training was facilitated by ILO technical specialists, the workshop combined presentations, site visits, group work, and participatory exercises to build the capacity of trainers. Participants learned how to use the WARM action checklist, conduct risk assessments, and implement low-cost solutions to improve working conditions for waste pickers.
This training has given us the tools to work directly with waste picker communities and support their right to a safe and healthy working environment,” said Cebisile Nyambe, Circular Economy National Project Coordinator.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen decent work and social justice in the informal economy. Participants committed to replicating the training in their respective communities within three months, supported by a peer-learning network established during the workshop.
By equipping local facilitators with the knowledge and skills to drive change on the ground, the ILO continues to advance inclusive, safe, and sustainable waste management systems in South Africa.