Preventing Chemical Safety Risk in Electronics Manufacturing Using Targeted Training

A Labor Solutions Case Study

This case study examines how targeted, role-specific training can function as a practical preventive measure within human rights due diligence systems.

Designed and delivered by Labor Solutions in partnership with the Clean Electronics Product Network (CEPN), the pilot addressed chemical safety risks in electronics manufacturing through training—particularly in lower-tier suppliers where awareness and access to remedy are often limited. Implemented across facilities in Vietnam and Malaysia, the initiative directly engaged 922 workers, managers, and supervisors, with an estimated 7,000 indirect beneficiaries.

Following the training, 95% of workers reported improved understanding of chemical safety practices, 97% indicated they would use grievance mechanisms to raise safety concerns, and 89% of managers committed to system-level improvements in chemical safety controls.

The results demonstrate well-designed, accessible training can measurably strengthen risk awareness, prevention, access to remedy, and management accountability—while supporting alignment with emerging expectations under the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and international HRDD standards.

From Policy to Practice: Strengthening HRDD Under CSDDD

Under CSDDD, companies are required to identify, prevent, and mitigate human rights risks across their operations and supply chains. Occupational health and safety—including chemical exposure—is a recognized material risk in electronics manufacturing.

Effective due diligence requires more than policies and audits. It depends on accessible information, worker and manager awareness, and operational systems that support safe practices and access to remedy. Targeted, scalable training plays a critical role in translating due diligence commitments into preventive action on the factory floor.

The Approach

Role-Specific, Scalable, Chemical Safety Risk Prevention Training for Electronics Supply Chains

Labor Solutions, in partnership with CEPN, developed a Chemical Safety Training Series designed to address chemical safety risks at both the individual and system level. 

Target Groups 

• Workers who handle or are exposed to chemicals 

• Managers and supervisors responsible for chemical safety systems

The Lessons

• Chemical Safety for Workers 

  • 5 lessons focused on rights, responsibilities, and safe handling practices 

• Chemical Safety for Managers 

  • 3 lessons plus a practical toolkit focused on oversight, prevention systems, and worker engagement 

  

Delivery

The trainings were delivered using a blended classroom approach to support scalability, accessibility, and repeatability across supplier tiers and geographies. Learners received training in person, via webinars and digital learning platforms.

Key Outcomes

Training Drove Measurable Improvements in Risk Awareness, Reporting, and Prevention

Improved Risk Awareness and Prevention 

• 95% of workers reported the training would be beneficial to their work 

• Workers demonstrated increased understanding of: 

• Chemical labeling and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) 

• Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) 

• Emergency procedures 

  
  

This supports risk prevention, a core requirement under CSDDD.

Strengthened Access to Remedy and Worker Voice 

• 97% of workers indicated they would use grievance mechanisms if they had chemical safety concerns 

• 92% expressed willingness to participate in safety committees and worker surveys 

  
  

This reflects improved awareness of reporting channels and collective mechanisms, supporting access to remedy and stakeholder engagement obligations.

Managerial Commitment to System-Level Improvements 

• 89% of managers found the training useful and relevant 

• 88–92% plan to review and improve chemical labeling and SDS processes 

• 80% intend to strengthen or establish: 

• Joint safety committees 

• Worker surveys 

• Grievance channels 

  
  

These actions directly support mitigation and continuous improvement under HRDD. 

Next Steps

Continuous Improvement and Localization 

As part of ongoing due diligence and learning from the pilot, Labor Solutions and CEPN further strengthened the program by expanding language accessibility. 

Following the pilot, training materials were further localized beyond Vietnamese and Malay. Additional languages now include:

• Simplified Chinese 

• Filipino 

• Thai 

  
  

Expanding language coverage reduces barriers to understanding, strengthens worker access to information, and improves the effectiveness of risk prevention measures—particularly for migrant and contract workers. 

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Why this Matters

Training as a Strategic Lever for Human Rights Due Diligence

This case demonstrates that well-designed, accessible training can function as a practical and scalable preventive measure within human rights due diligence systems. When embedded into broader worker engagement and compliance processes, training strengthens awareness, reinforces grievance mechanisms, and supports systemic improvement rather than operating as a standalone intervention.

Specifically, the case shows that:

• Training can prevent risk, not just respond to it, by strengthening worker and manager awareness

• Language accessibility is essential for meaningful worker engagement and effective implementation

• Scalable training models can be iterated and strengthened over time as part of continuous improvement

• Increased awareness reinforces grievance mechanisms and collective processes, improving access to remedy

• Training supports alignment with international standards when integrated into existing HRDD frameworks

By embedding chemical safety training into due diligence systems, this approach supports companies in meeting CSDDD expectations by reducing occupational health and safety risks, strengthening supplier capacity, and improving worker awareness and access to remedy. In this way, training becomes a strategic lever for responsible sourcing and worker protection—rather than a one-off compliance activity.

Get in touch to see  how integrated training strengthens safety, supplier capability, and CSDDD compliance for you.

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