How a board game can teach workers about safety and health at sea

The following article is an abridgement of a press release originally published on the International Labour Organisation website.

The "Safety and Health at Sea" board game

The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the European Union (EU) have launched a new board game called “Safety and Health at Sea” to educate workers in the fishing and seafood processing sectors about occupational safety and health (OSH). The board game is part of the Ship to Shore Rights South East Asia programme (S2SR SEA), which aims to promote regular and safe labour migration and decent work for all migrant workers in these sectors.

Unveiled on 21 November 2023 in Manila City, key stakeholders, including fishers and sea-based workers, participated in the launch event and played the game.

How does the board game work and what does it teach?

The board game is a strategic tool that simulates realistic scenarios that address OSH risks, hazards, challenges, and best practices in the fishing and seafood processing sectors. The board game has four players, each representing a different role: a fisher, a boat captain, a seafood processor, and a safety officer. The players move around the board, which depicts a fishing vessel and a seafood processing plant, and answer questions or perform tasks related to OSH.

How was it developed?

The board game was developed in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment – Occupational Safety and Health Center (DOLE-OSHC) in the Philippines. A youth OSH champion's expertise was used, who facilitated user-testing, refined game mechanics, and contributed to the overall design of the board game kit. A workshop allowed prospective users to provide valuable feedback, playing a pivotal role in refining the game for wider distribution.

An innovative way to raise OSH awareness

The board game is an innovative and interactive way to raise OSH awareness among workers in the fishing and seafood processing sectors, which are among the most hazardous and vulnerable sectors in the world. It engages the players in a fun and immersive learning experience, where they can apply their knowledge and skills to real-life situations. The social aspect of playing also enhances the communication and cooperation among the players, who have to work together to achieve their common goals and overcome their challenges.

Khalid Hassan, Director, ILO Country Office for the Philippines says,

“The Safety and Health at Sea is more than just a board game; it's a transformative approach to fostering safety and health awareness among workers in the fishing and seafood processing sectors".

Want to find out more?

You can find more information about the board game and the programme here.

‍

‍

Sources

ILO’s Ship to Shore Rights South East Asia programme launches “Safety and Health at Sea” board game by ILO, 22nd November, 2023.

‍

‍