Participatory Action Training for Informal Sector (PATRIS): Operator's manual

This manual shows how to take simple, effective, and low-cost action which improves safety and health at the workplace and at the same time raises productivity. The training method encourages owners and operators to make concrete improvements at the shop-floor level.

Instructional material | 01 March 1999

The manual addresses basics safety and health concerns. It includes useful and practical ideas on key topics such as: dust exposure, chemicals' use, fire prevention, working postures, working premises, first aid, etc. The methodology is based on pilot studies, extensive field experience and careful analysis of the real needs of informal sector operators. The emphasis is on practical, low-cost and locally identified measures to improve working conditions and workplaces. Each training programme using the methodology should build upon local experience, be adapted to local working practices and identify the possible improvements in the participants' workplaces.

This training approach was built upon local experience in Africa, particularly in Tanzania and Nigeria. It is based on the actual experience of informal sector operators who have participated in pilot training programmes organized by the ILO. The training materials were first developed during the Interdepartmental Project on the Urban Informal Sector of the ILO (1995-96). A mayor contribution to this important effort was made possible by an ILO/UNDP project on Urban Employment Promotion carried out in Tanzania in 1997-1998 with the extension of the pilot project. The materials were further tested and validated in other technical cooperation projects.