FIT - Foundation for International Training

Published purpose

This project supports Chinese reforms to increase workplace safety standards and enforcement, reduce the number of workplace accidents and illnesses, and increase access to treatment for injured female and male migrant workers. The focus is on two key industries: construction (predominantly male migrants) and textile or garment manufacturing (predominantly female migrants) with some activities involving the mining sector. Training, workshops and site visits provide Chinese government, employer and worker representatives with Canadian best practices on occupational health and safety issues in line with the International Labour Organization and UN conventions. The project is located in Chongqing, a municipality of 30 million people in Western China that attracts large numbers of migrant workers. The project focuses on: the right of workers to know about hazards and how to perform their work safely; the right to participate in assessing for health and safety in the workplace; and the right to refuse dangerous work. The project is managed by a consortium composed of the Foundation for International Training; Equitas – International Centre for Human Rights Education; and St. Mary's University – CN Center for Occupational Health and Safety.