What is ILO C155 and R164?

 What is ILO C155 and R164?

ILO C155 and R164 refer to two important instruments developed by the International Labor Organization (ILO):

ILO Convention No. 155 (C155): This convention is titled "Occupational Safety and Health Convention" and was adopted by the ILO in 1981. C155 establishes principles and guidelines for promoting occupational safety and health in workplaces. Its primary objective is to ensure that workers have a safe and healthy working environment that prevents accidents, injuries, and work-related diseases.

C155 sets out a comprehensive framework for occupational safety and health management systems. It covers areas such as the responsibilities of employers and workers, risk assessment and control measures, training and education, occupational health services, and the role of labor inspection. The convention emphasizes the importance of cooperation between employers and workers in promoting and maintaining safe working conditions.

ILO Recommendation No. 164 (R164): This recommendation accompanies Convention No. 155 and provides further guidance on implementing the principles outlined in C155. Recommendations are non-binding but serve as important guidelines for member states to develop and improve their occupational safety and health policies and practices.

R164 complements C155 by providing additional details on various aspects of occupational safety and health. It offers guidance on specific issues such as risk assessment methods, preventive measures, emergency preparedness and response, safety and health training programs, and the protection of workers engaged in hazardous work. The recommendation encourages member states to adopt measures that go beyond the minimum requirements of C155, thereby enhancing the protection of workers' safety and health.

Both C155 and R164 aim to promote a preventive approach to occupational safety and health, ensuring that workers' lives and well-being are protected in the workplace. They provide a framework for governments, employers, and workers to collaborate and establish effective systems for managing occupational risks and fostering a culture of safety in all industries and sectors.