Global Organization Adopts Standards on Biological Hazards in Workplace

On June 16, the International Labor Organization (ILO) announced that it has adopted the first-ever international labour standards aimed at preventing exposure to, and protecting workers from, biological hazards in the workplace.

At its convention, which concluded on June 13, the organization called on member states to formulate national policies and adopt measures on occupational safety and health that include the prevention and protection against biological hazards, and the development of preparedness and response measures to deal with accidents and emergencies. It requires employers to adopt preventive and protective measures, in collaboration with workers, who must also be informed and trained on the hazards and risks.

The Recommendation provides detailed guidance on implementation, including risk assessment, early warning systems, preparedness, and response measures (for example, in the event of outbreaks, epidemics, or pandemics) and training.

With reference to the definition contained in Article 1(a) of the Convention, biological hazards
include:

(a) pathogenic microorganisms and their associated toxins and allergens, including certain
protozoa, bacteria, fungi, oomycetes and algae;
(b) cells and cell cultures, including both primary cultures and immortalized cell lines, that may
be contaminated with other biological hazards or carry inherent risks such as tumor-inducing potential, toxins or allergens;
(c) endoparasites, namely protozoa and helminths;
(d) non-cellular microbiological entities, including viruses, prions and recombinant, genetically
modified or synthetic DNA and RNA materials;
 ILC.113/Recommendation No. 209 2
(e) irritants, allergens and toxins of animal or plant origin, including any venom or allergen-containing secretions produced by animals or plants, with the exception of pollen, that may
cause irritation, allergic reactions or systemic toxicity upon exposure via bites, stings or any
other event resulting in the release or presence of these substances.

The document also specified that harm to human health caused by exposure to biological hazards in the working environment includes:

(a) infectious diseases such as brucellosis, viral hepatitis, human immunodeficiency virus
disease, tetanus, tuberculosis, anthrax and leptospirosis, including health effects secondary
to acute or chronic infection, such as liver disease secondary to viral hepatitis, and their
sequelae;
(b) non-infectious diseases, such as toxic or inflammatory syndromes associated with bacterial
or fungal allergens or toxins;
(c) death or any personal injury or disease resulting from an occupational accident involving
exposure to a biological hazard in the working environment. 

As the official representative of US employers at the ILO, the United States Council for International Business, notes that their role was to ensure the Convention "remains practical, flexible, and compatible with existing workplace health and safety frameworks." 

“We are pleased to support the Convention—as a pragmatic instrument developed through genuine dialogue—which will help in protecting workers against biological hazards,” said Jose Arroyo, policy manager at USCIB, in a statement. “However, the Recommendation process fell short of that same standard—raising significant concerns about its coherence with the Convention and its implications for US business operations globally.” 

The group issues the following statement:

While non-binding, the Recommendation includes vague or overly broad provisions that could be misinterpreted during implementation, potentially conflicting with the Convention’s intent. These include language that could shift responsibilities from governments to companies, impose obligations on multinational enterprises without clear definitions, and complicate employers’ management prerogatives.  

We believe that maintaining a clear distinction between the Convention and the Recommendation will help ensure consistent interpretation and effective implementation by governments and businesses alike. USCIB remains committed to advancing responsible, workable international labor standards that promote both worker safety and business continuity."