Ratify and implement key ILO chemicals conventions

Governments should develop, maintain and control the application of laws and regulations on OSH and chemicals in the workplace and identify and incorporate nationally and internationally recognized instruments into these. The ILO has adopted more than 50 legal instruments on the protection of workers, as well as the public and the environment, from chemical hazards. These standards allow countries to develop their own legislative and regulatory framework on chemical safety in the world of work.

• The two main ILO conventions and recommendations that provide the basis for the sound management of all types of chemicals in the world of work are:
  • Chemicals Convention (No. 170) and Recommendation (No. 177), 1990.
  • Major Industrial Accidents Convention (No. 174) and Recommendation (No. 181), 1993.
• ILO standards dealing with the foundational principles of OSH that provide a framework for risk management, including chemical risks:
  • Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention (No. 187) and Recommendation (No. 197), 2006.
  • Occupational Health Services Convention (No. 161) and Recommendation (No. 171), 1985.
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention (No. 155) and Recommendation (No. 164), 1981, and its Protocol of 2002.
  • List of Occupational Diseases Recommendation, 2002 (No. 194).
• Risk specific standards:
  • Occupational Cancer Convention (No. 139) and Recommendation (No. 147), 1974.
  • Working Environment (Air Pollution, Noise and Vibration) Convention (No. 148) and Recommendation (No. 156), 1977.
  • Asbestos Convention (No. 162) and Recommendation (No. 172), 1986.
  • Benzene Convention (No. 136) and Recommendation (No. 144), 1971.
• Sector specific standards:
  • Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention (No. 184) and Recommendation (No. 192), 2001.
  • Labour Inspection (Agriculture) Convention, 1969 (No.129).
  • Safety and Health in Construction Convention (No. 167) and Recommendation (No. 175), 1988.
  • Safety and Health in Mines Convention (No. 176) and Recommendation (No. 183), 1995.
• The ILO has also produced various Codes of Practice and guidelines on the safe handling of chemicals in all kinds of hazardous working environments.