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 five strategic objectives and 28 targets, it provides a comprehensive roadmap to guide countries and stakeholders in strengthening the sound management of chemicals worldwide.

This policy brief underscores the central importance of the labour dimension in advancing the GFC, recognizing that chemicals are primarily produced, handled and used in workplaces. Occupational safety and health (OSH) is therefore positioned as a foundational element of effective chemicals governance and of efforts to protect workers, communities and the environment. The brief examines the strong alignment between the GFC and the ILO’s mandate, highlighting their coherence and complementarity. It explains how the ILO Global Strategy on OSH (2024–2030) and International Labour Standards provide concrete mechanisms to support GFC implementation, strengthen national legal frameworks and promote a preventive, life-cycle approach to chemical safety. Drawing on a review of legislation in 76 countries, the brief identifies both progress and persistent gaps in regulatory scope and enforcement. Strengthening national OSH systems through ratification, regulatory development, capacity-building and social dialogue remains essential to translating the GFC’s commitments into tangible improvements in chemical safety worldwide.