Empowering Labour Inspectors: Improving Occupational Safety and Health Enforcement in Syria

In a week-long training of trainers (ToT) workshop held by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Damascus, 20 labour inspectors, including many women, were trained to enforce occupational safety and health (OSH) regulations and improve working conditions. The Syrian Arab Republic was the second Arab country to ratify the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, No 155. However, implementing this convention has been challenging for the country.

The workshop agenda included sessions on international labour standards, OSH basics, national legislation, occupational risks, and site visits to construction sites and factories. Participants engaged in practical exercises and site visits to gain hands-on experience in identifying and mitigating workplace hazards effectively. After completing the training, participants received certificates that allowed them to offer high-quality training and inspection services across various governorates in Syria.

This training aimed to improve OSH enforcement and working conditions in the country by increasing the capacity of labour inspectors to provide comprehensive training across different governorates in Syria.