New International Standard on Biological Hazards in the Working Environment, ECA Calls for Dialogue in Implementation

At its 113th session held from June 2-13, 2025, the International Labour Conference (ILC) of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) adopted new international standards on biological hazards in the working environment. The new standards, which include a binding Convention (Convention No. 192) and a non-binding guiding Recommendation (Recommendation No. 209), represent the first-ever international labour standards to holistically address the risk of exposure to biological hazards in the working environment.

This is a landmark adoption in the context of global efforts to strengthen occupational safety and health since the inclusion of OSH as a fundamental principle and right at work, and following the devastating impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The ECA played an integral role as a participant in these discussions and an active contributor to the text of what now represents the outcome of this two (2)-year standard-setting process.

ECA CEO, Ronald Ramlogan, contributing to the Standard-Setting discussions

In addressing government, employers and workers’ delegates at the plenary of the ILC on behalf of the ECA, CEO, Ronald Ramlogan, acknowledged that the new Standard represented the shared concern for the health and safety of all workers, and a collective belief in practical, balanced solutions that Member States and employers can implement.

“We are pleased that the Convention recognises the shared duty to manage exposure to biological hazards, providing duty holders with clear guidance and a foundation for evidence-based decision-making. Its balanced approach to enforcement, with the inclusion of support measures for enterprises, and strong emphasis on consultation and collaboration, all reflect this shared responsibility”.

The instruments require Member States, in particular, to develop national policies and measures, consistent with national realities, for the prevention of and protection against biological hazards, the development of preparedness and response mechanisms to deal with accidents and emergencies, and the promotion of a resilience culture through essential support for those impacted, including enterprises.

However, the ECA also highlighted some justifiable concerns about the quality of the dialogue at times, which particularly impacted on the scope of the Recommendation and its coherence with the Convention. Notwithstanding, and given the non-binding nature of the Recommendation, Ramlogan encouraged Member States to consider ratifying this new Standard as another step towards strengthening national and economic resilience, enterprise sustainability, and workforce protection. However, he further cautioned that Member States will also carry the responsibility to carefully interpret and apply the Standard, through continuous consultation and effective social dialogue, based on national circumstances and real sector-specific risks, ensuring that implementation delivers tangible improvements without creating confusion or unnecessary burdens for enterprises, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The ECA is committed to advancing responsible, practical international labour standards that promote both worker safety and business continuity.

ECA CEO, Ronald Ramlogan (3rd from right) with members of the Technical Team for the Committee on Biological Hazards (from L-R): Laura Greene (Senior Programme & Operations Officer, ILO ACTEMP), Pierre Vincensini (Senior Advisor, IOE), Matias Espinosa (ILO ACTEMP), Delphine Rudelli (Director General, CEEMET & Employer Spokesperson), Robert Marinkovic (Advisor, IOE)