Thai trade unions strengthen their role to promote a safe and healthy working environment

Bangkok (ILO News) – Trade unions in Thailand are now better able to protect and promote safety and health at work following training on workplace Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) systems.

On 31 August 2026, over 40 trade union members met in Bangkok to strengthen their capacity to support effective occupational safety and health (OSH) management systems in the workplaces. An OSH Management System is a systematic framework designed to prevent occupational accidents, injuries and diseases through continuous improvement.

The event builds on sessions held earlier in the year on workers’ rights and duties on OSH and OSH risk assessment and control. Across the three sessions, more than 100 trade union members have strengthened their knowledge and skills to support their members’ participation in the development and implementation of the workplace OSH management system, in cooperation with their employers.

In his opening remarks, Lars Johansen, Deputy Director of the ILO Decent Work Technical Support Team for East and South-East Asia and the Pacific and Country Office for Thailand, Cambodia and Lao People’s Democratic Republic, emphasized that “Effective OSH requires communication, dialogue and collaboration in the workplace between workers and managers, as well as among workers and their peers. By working together, we can build safe and healthy workplaces.”

Representing ITUC-TC, Manop Kuerat, General Secretary of ITUC-TC and the State Enterprises Workers’ Relations Confederation (SERC), underscored that OSH is a fundamental right of every worker, regardless of whether they are in the formal or informal economy. “It is crucial for workers to actively participate in and contribute to the OSH management system in the workplaces. Trade unions stand ready to support workers, both members and non-members, in their actions and efforts,” he stated.

One participant highlighted that “As members of workplace OSH committees, the workshop is highly relevant to our work. The knowledge and experience gained have strengthened our confidence in carrying out our roles. Moving forward, we will be better equipped to apply what we have learned to identify and address risks, strengthen OSH measures, and contribute to a safe and healthy workplace.”

Dr Yuka Ujita, ILO Senior OSH Specialist and lead trainer appreciated the active engagement of those taking part and the outputs of the three training workshops. “Participants are now confident enough to serve as workplace OSH committee member and contribute to the improvement of safety and health for their peers,” she affirmed.

© Pichit Phromkade/ILO

© Pichit Phromkade/ILO

The capacity-building series is supported by the ILO’s “Promoting a safe and healthy working environment in Thailand and Cambodia” project, funded by the Government of Japan.