ILO closes in on international regulation of biological hazards

Omeiza Bilal

Delegates attending the 112th International Labour Conference (ILC) have taken the initial step towards what would be the first-ever international standard governing biological hazards in the world of work.

There is currently no international regulation focused on biological hazards in the working environment.

The consultations will continue next year’s, during the second sitting of the Standard-Setting Committee on Biological Hazards.

The discussions could result in a new Convention and/or recommendation, which would be the first international labour standard to be adopted since the access to a safe and healthy working environment was elevated to a Fundamental Principle and Right at Work.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo, praised the “intense, productive and rich” debates that had underpinned the ILC’s discussions.

“We face persistent insecurity and inequality as well as informality in the world,” he told delegates, adding that the discussions had “confirmed one critical aspect. We must act; not doing so is not an option.”

“You have responded to my call… to make social justice progress the basis for sustainable peace, shared prosperity, equal opportunities and a just transition,” he said.