Darkhan Hosts SME Safety Training in Mongolia

The training consists of a two-day practical classroom training and is followed by the in-factory consulting for 4-6 weeks. The participating enterprises conducted risk assessments at their workplaces and

Below are the reflections and feedback from the participating enterprises and OSH trainers:

Video 1.

Batkhuu, OSH trainer: "Occupational safety and health (OSH) matters were previously not addressed in small businesses with fewer than 30 workers. This time, Occupational safety and health center organized the OSH training for the small and medium sized entrepreneurs. While the training provides knowledge, possessing knowledge does not automatically guarantee future capacity or execution. Therefor the second part of the training is follow-up guidance for the participants at their workplace. The companies who have gained sufficient knowledge are doing the improvement at their workplace using their own finance. On the other hand, companies are improving their internal procedure and documents. The real upgrades have been made during the training. For instance, several initial issues were present, such as unallocated workspaces, a lack of safety signage, and missing guards on rotating equipment. However, based on a risk assessment, key improvements were implemented. Notably, protective barriers were installed, safety signs were placed, and the adoption of digital OSH systems became one of the program's most successful best practices. Additionally, although the site initially lacked cleanliness and organization, a follow-up visit revealed that thorough housekeeping had been performed and edge protections were fully installed to prevent falls. Numerous other best practices were also observed."

Byambatsogt, OSH officer at Burkhant eco asphalt LLC: "By participating in this training, we gained a clear understanding of the required workplace safety signage and the proper inspection protocols for machinery and equipment, which we are now actively implementing."

Jambal, OSH trainer: "There are examples of engineering improvements made at Gobi Durvun Shim LLC, a representative of small and medium enterprises. This is a medium-sized bakery enterprise with around 30 employees. Although they were aware that certain hazards existed, they did not quite know how to improve their conditions or what measures to take. Within this framework, we conducted a risk assessment, planned the necessary control measures based on the identified outcomes, and consequently implemented engineering improvements that could be achieved at the lowest possible cost. For instance, to show the "before" and "after" conditions, we installed ramps at the stair sections. Where there were previously high doorsteps, we had proper steps constructed. Furthermore, to ease the process of lifting and moving heavy loads, we introduced wheeled pushcarts and similar solutions to improve the workspace. In addition, we provided advisory services at the CFC fast-food restaurant. Within this scope, we offered guidance and implemented improvements to ensure compliance with hygiene and OSH requirements, enabling the establishment to operate in accordance with relevant laws and regulations. We focused our follor-up guidance on workplace organization, ergonomics, and sanitation. By prioritizing the outcomes of the risk assessment, we began implementing mitigation measures starting with the highest-risk tasks. Within this context, we prioritized electrical safety above all, ensuring that necessary electrical work was completed and providing professional advice. Beyond this, Darkhan Saamshil LLC is a newly developing enterprise with a total of 3 employees, operating under somewhat limited environmental conditions. At that location, we provided advice on ergonomics, and also delivered necessary recommendations and guidance regarding workplace organization, electrical safety, and fire safety to show the contrast between the previous and subsequent conditions".

Tumur-Khuyag, OSH trainer: "Training was organized within the framework of the International Labour Organization's "Formalization of the Informal Economy" project and it was held in Darkhan-Uul aimag. Around 40 enterprises from our province participated in this training. Before attending, these small and medium business owners openly and transparently shared information regarding the numerous types of hazards, risks, and industrial accidents they used to encounter, and they have now begun taking appropriate mitigation measures. To mention some of the progress and achievements made among them, hazards in the environmental conditions have been eliminated and reduced. Since danger always follows wherever a person is, suitable measures were taken to identify the types of hazards and risks present and determine what corresponding actions should be taken to prevent worker injuries. Within the scope of eliminating these risks using available hand-held materials, low-cost budgets, or internal resources, a great number of solutions and new ideas emerged. Following this, at a pre-school kindergarten-which naturally has its own distinct characteristics with high activity and many children-numerous types of measures were taken to reduce hazards and risks tailored to the children's ages. Lastly, public fast-food restaurants have also started placing great importance on their occupational safety after the training, organizing dedicated improvements and measures. Therefore, occupational safety and health is the duty of every citizen".

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