PSI underlines importance of Convention on biohazards for public service workers

PSI made an opening statement at the first plenary of the Standard-setting committee on Biological Hazards at the ILO's International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva.

The statement is in full alignment and support of the position of the Workers Group. It is important for PSI to highlight and raise awareness in the room about the importance of having a convention supported by a detailed recommendation on biological hazards for public service workers, who are particularly exposed and vulnerable to such existing and emerging Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) risks. It is crucial that all public service workers be covered by the instrument and that no exemptions be made on the grounds of essential service.

Public service workers are the backbone of our societies. They are the nurses and teachers; waste, water and sanitation workers; firefighters and emergency responders; and countless others who ensure our communities function smoothly and safely. In the face of biological hazards these workers are on the front line, risking their lives to protect ours. 

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored their vulnerability and the dire consequences of inadequate protection.

We must learn from this experience and keep ready, too, for the emerging threats arising from the climate emergency. It is imperative that we recognize the universal right of all workers to a safe and healthy working environment. This calls for robust, comprehensive measures that ensure no worker is left unprotected. Biological hazards do not discriminate, and neither should our policies and regulation. Universal coverage must be our collective goal, extending protections to every worker, regardless of their sector or status. 

The urgency of this situation demands a formal and binding response. We need a dedicated convention, coupled with a detailed recommendation, to provide a clear framework for safeguarding workers against biological hazards. This framework should include mandatory safety protocols, access to necessary protective equipment, regular training, and support systems for workers' mental and physical health. These measures cannot be implemented unless fundamental trade union rights are respected and upheld. 

Governments and employers around the world must step up to their responsibilities. To enact, enforce and respect laws that protect all workers from harm. We need effective legislation, adequate funding for public services, safe staffing levels, and strong oversight. The cost of inaction is measured in lives lost. 

Let us seize this historic moment to commit to meaningful change to ensure that all workers are protected from the threats they face, and that our public services remain strong and resilient.