This new collection provides practical advice aimed at protecting aquaculture workers from preventable workplace accidents and occupational diseases.
GENEVA (ILO News) – Experts from governments and employers’ and workers’ organizations have adopted the first-ever set of practical guidelines on occupational safety and health in the aquaculture sector , marking a significant step towards strengthening worker protection in one of the fastest-growing food production sectors.
Aquaculture has experienced exponential growth in recent decades, contributing significantly to poverty reduction and improved food security. The sector also plays a key role in business development, job creation, and livelihood diversification, particularly for rural populations.
However, in many countries, aquaculture workers continue to face decent work deficiencies, including inadequate health and safety practices, which undermines the sector’s ability to fully realize its potential.
This guide provides practical guidance to all those with responsibilities, duties, and rights regarding occupational safety and health in the aquaculture sector. It draws on the core conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and other relevant international labour standards. The guide aims to assist the ILO’s tripartite constituents and other stakeholders in developing and implementing policies to protect aquaculture workers from preventable occupational accidents and diseases.
A safe and healthy working environment is essential for the long-term growth of aquaculture and for harnessing its potential to contribute to sustainable development and equitable and resilient food systems.
“ This document is more than just a technical resource: it is the product of dialogue, mutual respect, and collective responsibility ,” said Christine Campeau, chair of the meeting. “ Behind every paragraph discussed in this room are real people, and the decisions and guidelines developed here will ultimately reach workplaces, ships, farms, processing facilities, and rural communities around the world. ”
“ The adoption of this handbook demonstrates that sectoral social dialogue can produce concrete results for the ILO’s tripartite constituents in a sector essential to food security and rural livelihoods worldwide, ” said Vera Paquete-Perdigao, Director of the ILO’s Labour Governance and Sectoral Policy Department. “ We hope it will serve as a practical tool for governments, employers, and workers in developing and implementing occupational safety and health policies and measures, and that it will contribute to promoting decent work across the agri-food sector. ”
source : OIT
