ILO moves to boost safety and health in forestry work

Millions of forestry workers globally are set to benefit from an updated version of the ILO code of practice on safety and health in forestry work, adopted by International Labour Organization (ILO).

The updated code, discussed and adopted in a meeting of experts held in Geneva from May 13 to 17, by experts from governments and employers’ and workers’ organizations, aims to improve working conditions and practices in the forestry sector, which remains one of the most hazardous sectors globally.

The new text also marks an important milestone as the first ILO sectoral code of practice since the ILO's historic decision to add 'a safe and healthy working environment' in its framework of fundamental principles and rights at work.

The revisions build on the previous 1998 code, as well as on International Labour Standards, including the now fundamental Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155), and the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187).

Despite improvements over the past three decades, forestry continues to see a high incidence of work-related accidents and diseases. The updated code provides practical guidelines to help better protect those working in forests. It reflects also wider changes in the sector and the world of work and includes new areas where improved practices and measures are required.

The chairperson of the meeting, Jörg Schweinle, thanked the participants of the meetings for their constructive dialogue and their efforts to help make forests safer workplaces.

Director of the ILO Sectoral Policies Department and Secretary-General to the meeting, Frank Hagemann, congratulated participants on the work accomplished. He called for constituents and global industry stakeholders to actively engage in the promotion and implementation of the code at the national and international levels to make the sector safer for all workers.

The code will be presented to the ILO Governing Body for formal approval and publication in November this year. After this the ILO, together with its constituents, will work towards its global implementation.