In 2024 work started on the development of a training manual with guidance on labour standards for the construction industry. The focus was on micro and small construction business in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and South Africa. It was (and is) part of the ILO program Decent Work and Labour Rights in Southern Africa’s Construction Sector: Building a pathway to improved working conditions for youth and the working poor
Challenging for all the wrong reasons
Needless to say, it was challenging – not because of the industry or region – but because so much of ‘our’ labour rights and OSH language is designed for formal structures and bigger Companies. The latter having the resources to implement, manage and monitor OSH.
Potential delegates for future training, with either no or little exposure to the language of compliance, standards and legal frameworks meant starting from scratch. Specific to OSH, literally translating memory of rural South Africa into a learning framework, logical guidance & checklists! That memory bank saw construction gangs on roadsides or villages working on houses, buildings, erecting fences and digging holes for pylons for electricity cables.
The luxury of PPE
Tragically in the micro enterprises personal protective equipment (PPE) appeared to be a luxury. The lack of PPE and no prospects for long term employment and stipend type wages that paid for food, means there’s very little left for working shoes.
Using the common ladder as an example of ‘what good practice look likes’, seemed a good place to start – step one being, ensure your workers wear shoes! Apart from the obvious safety aspect, with torrential rain and/or lightening, this very basic shoe advice, saves lives!
The entire body of work included all the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and we (the ITCILO lead and the business consultant) worked through the materials, it reaffirmed the overarching importance of the right to a safe working environment.
The value of life
A final thought is more philosophical and leans towards the thought of ‘what is the value of a human life’. When you are barefoot and desperate to work, you are also vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. All in all, this assignment reaffirmed the belief that those who have nothing are worth a pair of shoes – sadly, for so many, this is aspirational and yet to be realised.