International labour standards are legal instruments drawn up by the ILO's constituents (governments, employers and workers) and setting out basic principles and rights at work. They are either conventions, which are legally binding international treaties that may be ratified by member states, or recommendations, which serve as non-binding guidelines. ILO standards on occupational safety and health provide essential tools for governments, employers, and workers to establish sound prevention, reporting and inspection practices and to provide for maximum safety at work. The ILO has adopted more than 40 standards specifically dealing with occupational safety and health. Nearly half of ILO instruments deal directly or indirectly with occupational safety and health issues.
ILO Codes of Practice set out practical guidelines for public authorities, employers, workers, enterprises, and specialized occupational safety and health protection bodies. They are not legally binding instruments and are not intended to replace the provisions of national laws or regulations, or accepted standards. Codes of Practice provide guidance on safety and health at work in certain economic sectors on protecting workers against certain hazards and on certain safety and health measures.
