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, Unite health and safety adviser
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 a construction workers job that could put you at risk from biohazards. The HSE’s ‘Common hazards leading to potential for exposure to biological hazards’ that could cause disease include:
● Bird droppings – found in refurbishment or demolition sites are dangerous. Inhaling contaminated dust or water droplets can lead to several diseases, including Psittacosis (a flu-like illness that can lead to pneumonia)
● Discarded needles – can lead to exposure to blood borne viruses including Hepatitis B&C and HIV
● Rat infestation – rat urine or contaminated water can cause Leptospirosis/Weil’s disease if it gets into a cut, nose, mouth or eyes.
● Sewage or animal faeces – can lead to
E.coli infection which can cause stomach problems or more serious ill health. Sewage could also be contaminated with Hepatitis A.
● Undrained/undisinfected systems with stagnant water – could contain the bacteria of Legionnaires’ disease. This is serious if a contaminated spray or fine droplets with the bacteria in are inhaled.
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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.”
15 unite buildingWORKER Spring 2026
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All images: Alamy
All images: Getty Images
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