International Labour Standards
New safety standard on chemicals expected to improve workers’ health and support conflict recovery
Ratifying Convention No. 170 will not just improve the safety of workers, but may also boost Ukraine’s trade competitiveness and help with rebuilding damage caused by the Russian aggression.
18 December 2023
ILO NEWS (Budapest) - Ukraine’s ratification of ILO Convention No. 170 covering the use of chemicals at work is expected to strengthen the country’s legislative framework on chemicals management and improve the health of workers.
The application of C170 may also help with Ukraine’s recovery from the current conflict since it affects some of the industries that will be important in reconstruction; including agriculture and construction/demolition. These are sectors that often carry high risks for workers, employers, communities and the environment.
The move may also improve Ukraine’s trade flows and integration into global supply chains since multinational companies often prioritize suppliers with robust safety practices.
Speaking after the ratification was registered with the ILO, Ihor Dehnera, Director of the State Labour Service of Ukraine, said; “Ukraine's ratification of Convention No. 170 is a significant step forward in ensuring safer workplaces, protecting workers' health, and fostering sustainable economic growth. It demonstrates Ukraine's commitment to international labour standards, and global initiatives including the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It strengthens the nation's position on the global stage in terms of chemical safety and labour rights.”
Claire Harasty, Director of the ILO Office for Central and Eastern Europe welcomed the ratification. “The ratification of Chemicals Convention No. 170 demonstrates Ukraine's commitment to aligning its labour standards with international best practices and ensuring the well-being of its workforce,” she said. “It is expected to have a positive impact on both workers and employers by reducing the incidence of chemically induced illnesses and workplace accidents. It will save lives and protect the health of workers. In addition, it also moves forward complying with EU standards.”
The Chemicals Convention, 1990 (No. 170) establishes a comprehensive framework for the safe management of chemicals that will also apply to any substances developed in future. It includes several key provisions not currently covered by Ukrainian law, such as a robust classification and labelling system.
Key provisions of the Convention include:
The Convention also gives employers the means to protect their workers from accidents and injuries related to chemical exposure, which can also improve productivity and bring financial benefits to both businesses and governments. In addition, the Convention will help create a level playing field in rules and regulations, which will also benefit responsible employers.
During the preparations for ratification the ILO provided assistance to both workers’ and employers’ organizations in Ukraine. This included carrying out a comprehensive legal gap analysis of Ukrainian legislation, providing technical support for national tripartite consultations and to the Government and the sectoral social partners (workers’ and employers’ organizations).
The ILO will continue working with the Ukrainian government, employers’ organizations and trade unions to support the implementation of the Convention, and will seek assistance from development partners to carry this out.
The application of C170 may also help with Ukraine’s recovery from the current conflict since it affects some of the industries that will be important in reconstruction; including agriculture and construction/demolition. These are sectors that often carry high risks for workers, employers, communities and the environment.
The move may also improve Ukraine’s trade flows and integration into global supply chains since multinational companies often prioritize suppliers with robust safety practices.
Speaking after the ratification was registered with the ILO, Ihor Dehnera, Director of the State Labour Service of Ukraine, said; “Ukraine's ratification of Convention No. 170 is a significant step forward in ensuring safer workplaces, protecting workers' health, and fostering sustainable economic growth. It demonstrates Ukraine's commitment to international labour standards, and global initiatives including the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It strengthens the nation's position on the global stage in terms of chemical safety and labour rights.”
Claire Harasty, Director of the ILO Office for Central and Eastern Europe welcomed the ratification. “The ratification of Chemicals Convention No. 170 demonstrates Ukraine's commitment to aligning its labour standards with international best practices and ensuring the well-being of its workforce,” she said. “It is expected to have a positive impact on both workers and employers by reducing the incidence of chemically induced illnesses and workplace accidents. It will save lives and protect the health of workers. In addition, it also moves forward complying with EU standards.”
The Chemicals Convention, 1990 (No. 170) establishes a comprehensive framework for the safe management of chemicals that will also apply to any substances developed in future. It includes several key provisions not currently covered by Ukrainian law, such as a robust classification and labelling system.
Key provisions of the Convention include:
- Safe Handling of Chemicals: Employers are now required to ensure the safe handling, use, and storage of chemicals in the workplace, including appropriate training and protective equipment for workers.
- Risk Assessment: Employers are obliged to conduct risk assessments to identify potential hazards associated with chemicals and take risk mitigation measures.
- Information and Training: Workers must receive comprehensive information about the chemicals they work with, and training on handling them safely.
- Emergency Response: Employers are required to establish procedures for responding to chemical emergencies, including spills and accidents.
- Regular Inspections: The government will carry out regular inspections to ensure that workplaces comply with the provisions of the Convention.
The Convention also gives employers the means to protect their workers from accidents and injuries related to chemical exposure, which can also improve productivity and bring financial benefits to both businesses and governments. In addition, the Convention will help create a level playing field in rules and regulations, which will also benefit responsible employers.
During the preparations for ratification the ILO provided assistance to both workers’ and employers’ organizations in Ukraine. This included carrying out a comprehensive legal gap analysis of Ukrainian legislation, providing technical support for national tripartite consultations and to the Government and the sectoral social partners (workers’ and employers’ organizations).
The ILO will continue working with the Ukrainian government, employers’ organizations and trade unions to support the implementation of the Convention, and will seek assistance from development partners to carry this out.