www.ccohs.ca international instruments in occupational health and safety

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International Instruments in Occupational Health

and Safety

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety www.ccohs.ca

Outline

The organizations that develop international instruments The types of international instrumentsThe uses of international instruments


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)


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.


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


International Labour Organization (ILO)

Describe standards used in Canada and internationally for the management of health and safety in workplacesMembership:• Member states• Business associations• Labour organizations


- ILO -Conventions and Recommendations

Conventions are similar to international treaties.Developed by tripartite committees of expertsRepresent consensus on best policies and actionsWhen ratified by member state, create obligation to implement


- ILO -Conventions and Recommendations

Recommendations are guidelines for actions by member states.Also are consensus documents developed by tripartite committees of expertsOften provide more detail related to a conventionRecommendations are also intended to be useful to employers, employer associations and labour associations.


- 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



Health and safety in certain sectors• Dock work 1979• Construction 1988• Mines 1995• Agriculture 2001


Example ILO Convention C167 Construction

Topics include: Scaffolds, ladders and work at heightsLifting equipmentEarth moving equipmentMachinery and toolsMaterial handling Excavations and underground worksDemolition and explosivesLighting and electricityFire, chemicals, physical agentsPersonal protective equipment (PPE)Training and communicationReporting accidents and diseases



Protection against specific risks• Radiation 1960• Occupational cancer 1974• Working environment (air pollution, noise,

and vibration) 1977• Asbestos 1986• Chemicals 1990



Labour inspection conventions and recommendations • Mining• Transport• Agriculture• Water transport


- 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


- 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)


International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

World’s largest developer and publisher of international standardsMembers are the standards institutes of 161 countriesPurpose: 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


ISO Standards - Examples

Health and safety in weldingProtective clothing• Head protective equipment• Leg and foot protection

Safety of machinery• Principles of design• Safety-related control systems


Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems Standards

ILO-OHS 2001(guideline)OHSAS 18001:1999 and 2007 (BSI) CSA Z1000 ANSI-AIHA Z10and others…


World Health Organization (WHO) Authoritative Publications

Basic Occupational Health ServicesGlobal Strategy on Occupational Health for AllOccupational Exposure to Noise: Evaluation, Prevention and ControlPreventing Musculoskeletal Disorders in the WorkplaceToward Good Practice in Health, Environment and Safety Management in Industrial and Other Enterprises

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