Adopted by the International Labor Organization (ILO), the new code on safety and health in textiles, clothing, leather and footwear industries is based on international labor standards and other sectoral guidelines. The code advises industries on ways to eliminate reduce and control all major hazards and risks including chemical substances, ergonomic and physical hazards, tools, machines and equipment, as well as building and fire safety.

The code will benefit over 60 million workers around the globe. It has been adopted by experts from governments and employers’ and workers’ organizations. The code will serve as a basis for developing national or company OSH management systems and contribute to the overall improvements of working conditions in this sector and beyond, says Aette Van Leur, Director, ILO Sectoral Policies Department.

Worldwide, about 2.8 million workers die every year from work-related injuries and diseases in different sectors. A further 160 million workers suffer from work-related diseases and 374 million workers experience non-fatal injuries. More than four per cent of the world’s annual gross domestic product (GDP) is lost as a consequence of work-related injuries and diseases.

The new code of practice on safety and health equips the government with occupational safety and health tools and ensures a safer and brighter future for the textiles, clothing, leather and footwear industries, adds Bastian Fochmann, Government Vice-Chairman.