UN adopts convention on workplace biological hazards
The Biological Hazards in the Working Environment Convention was adopted by the UN's
International Labour Organization
.
The ILO's 187 member states are equally represented by governments, employers and trade unions.
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The text was adopted to applause at the annual International Labour Conference. There were 406 votes in favour, 12 against and 13 abstentions.
The adoption "marks a historic step forward in global labour standards, addressing a long-standing gap in international legislation", said conference president Edgar Moyo, Zimbabwe's labour minister.
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"These instruments provide a comprehensive framework to prevent and manage biological risks across all sectors and occupations.
"They reaffirm the fundamental right to a safe and healthy working environment and reflect a shared global commitment to safeguarding workers from invisible and evolving threats."
- What does the convention say? -
The convention constitutes the first international instrument specifically addressing biological hazards in the working environment at the global level.
It provides a definition of hazards, prevention and protection measures, and establishes obligations for employers and rights and duties for workers.
The convention applies to all workers in all branches of economic activity, but requires countries to take specific measures in certain high-risk sectors and occupations.
It requires employers to establish procedures to deal with emergencies.
What is it aimed at?
The Covid-19 pandemic killed millions of people, shredded economies and crippled health systems, highlighting the potential of biological hazards.
Other diseases like bird flu, mpox and Ebola have also caused major international concern.
But exposure to the viruses that cause contagious diseases is just one of many biological hazard situations that workers might face.
In workplaces like hospitals and laboratories, cattle farms, grain silos, sewage facilities and in waste collection, workers may be exposed to a range of biological hazards, says the ILO.
These include bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, DNA material, bodily fluids, and other microorganisms, allergens and toxins.
What are the dangers?
The convention lists biological hazards, and is accompanied by a second text, a "recommendation", which provides further details.
Hazards can be of plant, animal or human origin.
The text concerns all irritants, allergens and toxins of animal or plant origin, including venom but not pollen, that could bring about reactions or toxicity upon exposure.
Why is it important?
Frameworks should in place before an outbreak, said Joaquim Pintado Nunes, head of the ILO's occupational safety, health and environment branch.
"Many things are changing, namely due to climate change," he told reporters, with some diseases transmitted by insects seeing their geographical reach expanding, like dengue.
"It was always important to address biological hazards in workplaces, but now it's becoming a bit more critical," he said.
Many countries will have to adapt their legislation to better protect workers from these risks, especially given that increased human and freight mobility accelerates the spread.
"You just need one case that if it's not properly identified and traced, and if there is no preventive mechanism already installed, then the situation can aggravate quite quickly," Pintado Nunes explained.
Protection for whistle-blowers
The convention requires countries to have procedures for reporting workplace accidents, occupational diseases and dangerous occurrences caused by exposure to biological hazards in the workplace -- and to investigate "serious cases".
Countries must also implement "confidential access for workers and their representatives" to reporting mechanisms, and ensure those who report breaches are "protected against retaliation".
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