In partnership with the Alliance of Nationalist and Genuine Labour Organization (ANGLO), UnionAID is supporting a focused initiative to strengthen occupational safety and health (OSH) knowledge and practice among workers in the Philippine paint and coatings sector. The project works directly with workers in major paint factories in Metro Manila to build awareness of workplace hazards, establish functioning OSH committees, and support development and implementation of workplace OSH plans.
The challenge
Despite the Philippines’ OSH law, compliance remains low and inspection capacity is limited. Paint industry workers face significant risks from heat, dust, noisy machinery, poor ventilation and exposure to toxic chemicals (including solvents and other hazardous compounds). Reported harms include respiratory and skin problems, workplace accidents and other serious illnesses. Low pay, irregular employment and limited union coverage increase workers’ vulnerability.
What we will do
ANGLO will deliver a four-month programme that includes:
- Ocular visits to paint factories and initial engagement with workers
- Focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) to document hazards and worker experiences
- Summarising findings and developing practical recommendations for workplaces
- An OSH seminar-workshop covering rights under the OSH law, international standards, OSH committee formation and functions, and practical guidance on OSH plan development, implementation and evaluation
- Post-workshop monitoring visits to support implementation, troubleshoot challenges and assess committee functionality.
Why this matters
Preventing workplace injury and illness protects workers, their families and communities, and strengthens workers’ ability to demand safer, more secure employment. In chemical-intensive sectors such as paint production, worker-led OSH committees and well-informed workplace plans are essential to reduce harm and ensure employers and regulators meet their responsibilities.
Partnerships and stakeholders
ANGLO will partner with the Institute for Occupational Health and Safety Development (IOHSAD) for technical support and capacity building. The project will also engage workers’ families to broaden community awareness and support. ANGLO brings long-standing experience in organising, legal assistance and worker-led campaigns across the Philippines.
Monitoring and evaluation
Success will be measured through activity reports, participant feedback and evaluation forms, and regular project team assessments. Monitoring visits after the workshop will check whether OSH committees are functional and whether OSH plans are being implemented. Findings will inform lessons learned and possible replication in other sectors.
