International Instruments in Occupational Health and Safety

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Outline The organizations that develop international instruments The types of international instruments The uses of international instruments

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Sources of International Instruments International instruments are authoritative documents developed and issued by international bodies such as: International Labour Organization (ILO) International Organization for Standardization (ISO) World Health Organization (WHO)

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Uses of International Instruments International instruments are practical documents that represent the highest level of consensus from experts and policy makers. They are intended to be used by governments, business enterprises and labour groups as the basis of policy and action. As far as possible they are free from bias relating to political, social or economic philosophies.

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Characteristics of the Organizations The ILO, ISO, and WHO: International mandates to promote high global standards. International memberships representing governments, industries and labour groups Committees of experts develop consensus documents Expert review ensures balance

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety International Labour Organization (ILO) Describe standards used in Canada and internationally for the management of health and safety in workplaces Membership: Member states Business associations Labour organizations

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety - ILO - Conventions and Recommendations Conventions are similar to international treaties. Developed by tripartite committees of experts Represent consensus on best policies and actions When ratified by member state, create obligation to implement

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety - ILO - Conventions and Recommendations Recommendations are guidelines for actions by member states. Also are consensus documents developed by tripartite committees of experts Often provide more detail related to a convention Recommendations are also intended to be useful to employers, employer associations and labour associations.

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety - ILO - Categories of Instruments Fundamental principles and guiding policies for action in OH&S OH&S Convention 1981 –National OH&S policy structure Promotional framework for OH&S 2006 –Promotes a preventive culture and a national health and safety program

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety - ILO - Categories of Instruments Health and safety in certain sectors Dock work 1979 Construction 1988 Mines 1995 Agriculture 2001

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Example ILO Convention C167 Construction Topics include: Scaffolds, ladders and work at heights Lifting equipment Earth moving equipment Machinery and tools Material handling Excavations and underground works Demolition and explosives Lighting and electricity Fire, chemicals, physical agents Personal protective equipment (PPE) Training and communication Reporting accidents and diseases

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety - ILO - Categories of Instruments Protection against specific risks Radiation 1960 Occupational cancer 1974 Working environment (air pollution, noise, and vibration) 1977 Asbestos 1986 Chemicals 1990

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety - ILO - Categories of Instruments Labour inspection conventions and recommendations Mining Transport Agriculture Water transport

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety - ILO - Codes of Practice Practical and technical documents “Good Practices” - what should be done Purpose: Assist governments, employers, and workers’ organizations Help in development of regulations, policies, guidelines, and workplace procedures Prepared by tripartite meetings of experts

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety - ILO - Codes of Practice Coverage: Industrial sectors (e.g., construction, coal mines, steel industries) Categories of hazards (e.g., chemicals, radiation) Certain measures (e.g., recording and notification of accidents)

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety International Organization for Standardization (ISO) World’s largest developer and publisher of international standards Members are the standards institutes of 161 countries Purpose: develop standards that.. Meet needs of governments, businesses and society Promote highest standards of safety, quality, efficiency, value, and performance Promote good practices in technology and management Support development of effective legislation and government programs in health, safety and environment

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety ISO Standards - Examples Health and safety in welding Protective clothing Head protective equipment Leg and foot protection Safety of machinery Principles of design Safety-related control systems

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems Standards ILO-OHS 2001(guideline) OHSAS 18001:1999 and 2007 (BSI) CSA Z1000 ANSI-AIHA Z10 and others…

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety World Health Organization (WHO) Authoritative Publications Basic Occupational Health Services Global Strategy on Occupational Health for All Occupational Exposure to Noise: Evaluation, Prevention and Control Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Workplace Toward Good Practice in Health, Environment and Safety Management in Industrial and Other Enterprises

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