The International Labour Organization (ILO) has supported a hands-on occupational safety initiative in Mongolia aimed at improving workplace standards in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with training sessions conducted in Darkhan-Uul province between January and April 2026.
The programme, organized in collaboration with the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) in Mongolia, focused on practical training combined with on-site consultancy to help businesses identify risks and implement safety improvements. It is part of broader efforts linked to the ILO’s “Formalization of the Informal Economy” project.
According to the International Labour Organization, the training model combined classroom instruction with weeks of follow-up workplace support, allowing enterprises to apply risk assessments directly in their operations.
Participating businesses conducted safety evaluations and introduced improvements such as better workplace organization, installation of safety signage, protective barriers on machinery, and upgrades to electrical and fire safety systems. Trainers emphasized that even low-cost changes using local materials could significantly reduce workplace hazards.
Company representatives reported practical benefits, including improved machinery inspection practices, clearer safety protocols, and better understanding of occupational risk management. In some cases, structural changes such as ramps, steps, and wheeled transport solutions were introduced to reduce physical strain and workplace injuries.
OSH trainers highlighted that many small businesses previously lacked formal safety systems, but the training helped them adopt structured approaches to identifying and mitigating risks. Improvements were also observed in hygiene standards, ergonomics, and workplace organization across different sectors, including food services and manufacturing.
The programme also reached diverse enterprises, from bakeries to fast-food outlets and small industrial firms, demonstrating how occupational safety principles can be adapted to different working environments and business sizes.
Overall, the initiative reflects a broader effort to strengthen labour safety standards in informal and small-scale sectors, encouraging businesses to adopt practical, sustainable, and cost-effective safety improvements while building long-term awareness of occupational health and safety practices.
