Cambodia Strengthens Farm Safety by Training Local Officers on Workplace Health

Cambodia is taking a significant step to improve workplace safety and health in agriculture by equipping Commune Agriculture Officers (CAOs) with practical skills and technical knowledge on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), helping reduce risks for farmers across the country.

A Training of Trainers (ToT) on OSH, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO), was held in Siem Reap province from 28–29 January 2026.

The initiative aims to strengthen prevention at the grassroots level by enabling commune-level officers — often the closest public servants to rural farmers — to promote safer work practices and reduce accidents and work-related illnesses.

Addressing Hidden Risks in Cambodia's Most Hazardous Sector

Agriculture remains one of the most hazardous sectors in Cambodia, with many occupational injuries and diseases going under-reported. Farmers routinely face risks from manual lifting, agrochemicals, animal handling, biological hazards, heat stress and poor work organization.

During the training, participants learned how to identify and control these risks using the ILO's Work Improvement for Neighbourhood Development (WIND) programme. The WIND approach uses participatory action-oriented training (PAOT) methods, encouraging practical, low-cost solutions that can be easily adopted in local farming communities.

The ToT model ensures that trained officers can pass on good OSH practices to other CAOs and, ultimately, to farmers in their respective communes.

Government Commitment to Scaling Up Farmer Protection

Yang Saing Koma, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery, emphasized the importance of strengthening local capacity.

"Building the capacity of Commune Agriculture Officers in occupational safety and health is very important," he said. "The Ministry will continue to roll out this training to other CAOs countrywide, who will then transfer knowledge and skills to farmers in their areas."

The approach supports Cambodia's broader efforts to modernize agriculture while safeguarding the health and productivity of rural workers.

Empowering Grassroots Prevention

Dr Yuka Ujita, ILO Senior OSH Specialist for Asia and the Pacific, highlighted the need for stronger prevention where risks are greatest.

"Agriculture is one of the most hazardous sectors in Cambodia, where awareness of occupational safety and health remains limited," she said. "By empowering commune-level officers who are closest to agriculture workers in rural areas, this training helps build a stronger foundation for prevention at the grassroots level."

Part of a Regional Safety and Health Initiative

The training forms part of the project "Promoting a Safe and Healthy Working Environment in Thailand and Cambodia," funded by the Government of Japan under the ILO's global Safety + Health for All flagship programme.

The project focuses on sectors with high and evolving occupational risks, including agriculture and food processing, and places special emphasis on emerging OSH challenges such as heat-related health risks and mental health at work.

By strengthening local expertise and expanding practical safety knowledge, the initiative aims to reduce preventable injuries, improve livelihoods, and promote safer, healthier rural workplaces across Cambodia.