OSH in Global Supply Chains

According to ILO estimates, 60 to 80 per cent of world trade involves global supply chains (GSCs). The contribution of these trade mechanisms to global economic growth and job opportunities is clear, however their impact on the working conditions, safety and health of workers involved in developing countries, raises concern. Though there is great potential to harness the growing power of GSCs to improve occupational safety and health (OSH), examples of such successful initiatives are limited.

Project Intervention
Within the framework of the ILO Occupational Safety and Health - Global Action for Prevention (OSH-GAP) Flagship Programme, the project seeks to identify constraints and drivers for the improvement of occupational safety and health in global food and agriculture supply chains. These sectors are of particular interest given that they claim a large portion of the informal economy, often linked with inadequate occupational safety and health in developing economies. To assess this, ILO is undertaking case studies in food and agriculture supply chains in Colombia, Indonesia and Madagascar including research on the lowest tiers in the chain.


Expected Results
This research is in response to current knowledge gaps on decent work in global supply chains. Lessons from the case studies will be compiled in a global report and will be used to inform policy and practice to improve workers’ safety and health in global chains of production, with a focus on the most vulnerable workers in developing countries.

The project links directly to the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) on decent work and economic growth and project findings will further contribute to SDGs on good health and well-being and on responsible consumption and production.



OSH in Global Supply Chains is a joint project of the ILO and the European Commission DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion. The project is carried out with funding from the European Union.