Resources on Chemical industries sector

  1. Hazardous exposures to plastics in the world of work

    19 September 2023

    Plastics are found in all aspects of modern life, including the world of work. Workers in numerous industries use plastics during the course of their work and may therefore be at risk of harmful chemical exposures, depending on the variety of plastic and type of exposure.

  2. Exposure to lead in the world of work: Impacts for occupational safety and health

    15 September 2023

    Lead is a highly toxic heavy metal, whose widespread use in many industries has impacted the health of numerous workers globally. Exposure to this hazardous metal can severely damage body systems and organs, leading to disability, life-long illness and even death. Workers in many sectors are exposed, including those in used lead-acid battery (ULAB) recycling, construction, painting, mining and smelting.

  3. Technical guidelines on biological hazards in the working environment

    13 July 2023

    The objective of the Technical Guidelines on Biological Hazards adopted by the 346th Session of ILO’s Governing Body in November 2022 (GB.346/INS/17/3) is to provide governments, employers, workers, and their organizations with key principles for the effective management of biological hazards in the working environment, in line with ILO standards and principles. The guidelines were drafted by a group of international specialists and were adopted by a tripartite meeting of experts from different countries that met in Geneva from 20 to 24 June 2022.

  4. Chemicals and climate change in the world of work: Impacts for occupational safety and health

    05 July 2023

    The impacts of climate change extend beyond the environment, impacting the world of work and posing significant challenges to the sound management of chemicals. This report examines the interconnectedness of climate change, chemicals and the world of work, discussing common risks and hazards and exploring action to be taken at the national and workplace level toward mitigating these risks.

  5. Digitalization and the Future of Work in the Chemical Industry in Germany

    21 December 2022

    An important contribution to the growing knowledge base on technological change and digital transitions and the ways in which constituents can shape a future that works for all in the industry.

  6. Developing a National GHS Implementation Strategy

    19 July 2022

    A Guidance Document to support implementation of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)

  7. Exposure to Mercury in the world of work: A review of the evidence and key priority actions

    12 January 2022

  8. International Framework Agreements in the food retail, garment and chemicals sectors: Lessons learned from three case studies

    31 May 2018

    With a focus on three recent IFAs in three economic sectors, this working paper is a contribution to the growing body of knowledge on international framework agreements. It complements existing and ongoing research on national and cross-border social dialogue and international framework agreements by other international and regional organizations and by the ILO itself.

  9. Sectoral Studies on Decent Work in Global Supply Chains

    06 April 2016

    Comparative Analysis of Good Practices by Multinational Enterprises in Promoting Decent Work in Global Supply Chains

  10. The glass industry: recent trends and changes in working conditions and employment relations

    23 December 2015

    At its 317th Session in March 2013, the ILO Governing Body instructed the Office to conduct a research study on technological progress in the glass industry and its impact on employment structure in the industry.