n By Keith Hatch ‘‘
[These] negotiations aimed to construct a set of standards for occupational health and safety, with the aim of achieving binding articles that established global protection for workers against biological hazards
Rob Miguel,
The committee also accepted that a precautionary approach was essential, as was the need for income protection and ensuring workers had financial stability during self-isolation.
Rob said that, though this was a contentious issue, it was ultimately included, as “full pay during isolation prevents workers from having to choose between health and income, which is vital for public safety.”
Along with “entitlement to employment injury benefits or compensation” resulting from any exposure to biological hazards, other issues covered were around equalities and gender differences, and rights for workers and union representatives.
Now the Biological hazards in the working environment convention, 2025 (No. 192) has been adopted the ILO is calling “on Member States to formulate national policies and adopt measures on occupational safety and health that include the prevention and protection against biological hazards, and the development of preparedness and response measures to deal with accidents and emergencies.”
This call was echoed by trade union organisations including the Building and Woodworkers International (BWI), who represent forestry workers. They said the convention was “a landmark achievement” and called for “rapid ratification and full implementation”, saying, “It is the first new occupational safety and health instrument since OSH was declared a fundamental principle and right at work.
HAZARDOUS CONTACT
There are many aspects of an agricultural worker’s job that bring you into contact with bio-hazards, which can cause health issues including:
● Rhinitis and asthma due to exposure to biological dust, through both allergic and non-allergic mechanisms
● Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, (aka Farmer’s Lung). Associated with intense or repeated exposure to biologic dusts, from sources like mouldy hay, grain or ensilage
● Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome (ODTS), a respiratory illness caused by inhaling large amounts of organic dust, containing mould, bacteria, fungal spores or other biological materials, often from spoiled plant products like hay, grain, silage
● Tetanus, a bacteria found in animal faeces and soil, which produces resilient spores that can survive in the ground for many years
● Anthrax, extremely rare in the UK, is a very serious disease found in soil. Farm workers can contract through contact with infected animals or contaminated products like wool, hides, or meat
● Agri workers face risks from bites and stings by insects, like flies, fleas, and ticks. These can transmit diseases to humans or cause an allergic reaction.
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It is also the first Convention that recognises climate and environmental factors that exacerbate exposure to hazards.”
Rob stressed this was just the start and more negotiations would
be taking place. Rob added, “We haven’t finished yet, and I’m hopeful we’ll get more of these important aspects into the programme.”
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9 uniteLANDWORKER Spring 2026
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All photos: Alamy
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