Chemicals and pharmaceuticals

Chemicals are a key part of modern societies and economies. As highlighted in the ILO Chemicals Convention, 1990 (No 170), they are also hazardous for workers and the general public, and must therefore be handled with special care.

The chemical industries have undergone considerable change in recent years. The ILO Global Dialogue Forum on Challenges for Decent and Productive Work arising from Digitalization in the Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industries adopted points of consensus that will guide the work of governments, employers and workers to ensure a just transition to a greener, safer and more productive and circular industry.

C170 - Chemicals Convention, 1990 (No. 170)

Data and statistics

Global employment
Regional employment

The line graphs show a time series of modelled global and regional employment estimates at the sectoral level. The ILO modelled estimates generally cover 189 countries, offering a comprehensive set of internationally comparable labour statistics. These include both reported data and imputed figures for countries with missing information. The imputations are generated using econometric models developed by the ILO.

For more detailed labour market indicators and country-level data, visit the Sectoral Employment Statistics page of the ILOSTAT database.

The line graphs show a time series of modelled global and regional employment estimates at the sectoral level. The ILO modelled estimates generally cover 189 countries, offering a comprehensive set of internationally comparable labour statistics. These include both reported data and imputed figures for countries with missing information. The imputations are generated using econometric models developed by the ILO.

For more detailed labour market indicators and country-level data, visit the Sectoral Employment Statistics page of the ILOSTAT database.