All publications: chemical hazards
Policy brief
The Global Framework on Chemicals: A World of Work Priority
The Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC), adopted in 2023, represents a global commitment to prevent, or where prevention is not feasible, minimize harm from chemicals and waste to human health and the environment throughout their life cycle. With...
Impacts for occupational safety and health
Chemical exposures in mining
Occupational exposure to chemicals in the mining sector continues to pose a major safety and health risk to workers globally.A number of toxic chemicals are commonly used in mining practices, including mercury, cyanide, sulfuric acid and solvents,...
Hazardous exposures to plastics in the world of work
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...
Exposure to lead in the world of work: Impacts for occupational safety and health
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...
Impacts for occupational safety and health
Chemicals and climate change in the world of work
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...
OSH Management Systems and Chemicals
The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)
Chemicals in Mining
Introduction to chemical safety in the world of work
Workplace level actions on chemical safety
Preventative measures for specific chemical hazards
Chemicals in agriculture
Routes of chemical exposure and health impacts
Mercury and OSH
Policy level actions on chemicals
ILO Conventions on Chemicals
Plastics
Chemicals and Climate Change
Chemicals and Climate Change Priority Actions
Preventative measures for key chemical hazards