Presentation of research “Workers’ risk of exposure to pesticides and agrochemicals in Colombian, Indonesian, and Ghanaian Oil Palm Plantations”.
“The company should provide facilities for washing work tools and toilets. Workers often rinse or clean themselves in rivers within the plantation and use the river for defecation and urination because there are no sanitation facilities, which frequently causes itching and skin irritation."
- Indonesian male worker employed as sprayer
What experiences do palm oil plantation workers have with the use of agro chemicals? What problems do they encounter? And which solutions do they see?
You can find out at our side-event of the RSPO round table meeting in Bangkok on Monday November 11, from 11 until 13 o’clock.
The use of agrochemicals is widespread at oil palm plantations. Workers either directly use these chemicals or are exposed to them through their work in the fields. To avoid risks for the workers, these chemical substances should be used in a proper way and workers should receive adequate training, proper personal protection equipment, and a well-functioning health checking system should be in place.
From experience, we know that a lot of workers lack proper equipment and training, and also health problems occur everywhere.
"Medical checks should have been carried out and results communicated to you before starting work. But this is not the case. Also, there is no car available for emergencies in the morning."
- Ghanian male worker employed as sprayer.
To better understand how male and female workers are protected against these risks, the network “International Palm Oil Workers United” executed in-depth interviews with 1,436 workers in Ghana, Indonesia, and Colombia. We also reviewed the scientific literature on the potential health risks associated with agrochemicals and we mapped the policies and regulations that govern the use of agrochemicals in the three countries. Lastly, we analyzed the policies of global palm oil traders and organizations such as the RSPO regarding the use of agrochemicals and the permissible levels of worker exposure.
Based on this, we conclude the research with recommendations for all relevant stakeholders in the Palm Oil Supply Chain.
The study will inform the network's unions' dialogue with their employers and governments to improve worker protection from the hazardous effects of agrochemical use.
“I would like to see more safety training at work, and for the company to provide the equipment free of charge."
- Colombian male worker employed in the harvesting of FFB
Launch of the international research “Workers’ risk exposure to pesticides and agro chemicals in Colombian, Indonesian and Ghanaian Palm Oil Plantations”
Moderation:
Astrid Kaag, Policy Advisor of Mondiaal FNV
Presentation of the research:
Diana Quiroz, Senior field researcher at Profundo
Panelists:
Programme:
Welcome and introduction
Presentation of the research outcomes
Discussion with the panel and participants in three rounds:
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Wrapping up and conclusions
The network “International Palm Oil Workers United” which unites the Indonesian ‘Koalisi Buruh Sawit’, the Colombian ‘Coordinadora Sindical Palmera Colombiana’, the Ghanaian union GAWU and the Netherlands trade union federation FNV.
November 11, 11 am-1 pm including lunch.
At the first day of the annual Roundtable Conference on Sustainable Palm Oil of RSPO.
Hotel Arnoma
99 Ratchadamri Rd, Lumphini
Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
Thailand
8 minutes walking from RSPO venue
Also a lunch will be offered.
Stakeholders in the Palm Oil supply chain: palm oil plantations/companies, palm oil business associations, palm oil buying and processing companies, trade unions, governments, labour inspections, RSPO, certification organizations, NGO’s.