This report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) for the 2014 celebration of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work - on April 28th - reviews the current situation regarding the use of chemicals and their impact in workplaces and the environment, including various national, regional, and international efforts to address them. The report also presents the elements for establishing national and enterprise level programmes that contribute to ensure the sound management of chemicals at work.

This report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) for the 2014 celebration of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work - on April 28th - reviews the current situation regarding the use of chemicals and their impact in workplaces and the environment, including various national, regional, and international efforts to address them. The report also presents the elements for establishing national and enterprise level programmes that contribute to ensure the sound management of chemicals at work.

The production and use of chemicals in workplaces around the world present one of the most significant challenges in workplace protection programmes. Chemicals are essential to life, and their benefits are widespread and well-recognized. From pesticides that improve the extent and quality of food production, to pharmaceuticals that cure illnesses, and cleaning products that help establish hygienic living conditions, chemicals are key to healthy living and modern convenience. Chemicals are also a critical part of many industrial processes to develop products that are important to global standards of living. However, controlling exposures to these chemicals in the workplace, as well as limiting emissions to the environment, are tasks that governments, employers, and workers, continue to struggle to address.

Read more: http://www.ilo.org/safework/events/meetings/WCMS_235058/lang--en/index.htm