The textiles, clothing, leather and footwear industries are of strategic importance to many Member States of the ILO.
In October 2021, a meeting of experts adopted the first ILO code of practice on safety and health in textiles, clothing, leather and footwear industries. Based on international labour standards and other sectoral guidelines and tools, the code provides comprehensive and practical advice on how governments, employers, workers and their representatives should work together to eliminate, reduce and control all major hazards and risks. These include but are not limited to biological hazards, hazardous substances, ergonomic and physical hazards, tools, machines and equipment, as well as building and fire safety.
The code promotes a preventative safety and health culture in which the right to a safe and healthy working environment is respected at all levels, where government, employers and workers actively participate in improving safety and health through a system of defined rights, responsibilities and duties, and where the principle of prevention is accorded the highest priority. It further promotes OSH management systems as well as cooperation between employers and workers and their representatives.
