Nepal is stepping up efforts to protect workers from hazardous chemical exposure through improved prevention, national coordination and workplace chemical risk management.
The action comes as the use of hazardous chemicals continues to expand across agriculture, manufacturing, construction, healthcare and other sectors.
While Nepal has made progress in strengthening its legal and institutional framework for occupational safety and health, challenges remain around coordination, implementation, workplace chemical risk management, data sharing and technical capacity.
National policy dialogue held
The International Labour Organization (ILO) in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Labour and Employment (MoYLE) convened a national policy dialogue in Kathmandu to examine the challenges.
The event brought together government institutions, employers’ and workers’ organisations, industry representatives, technical experts and development partners to identify practical measures for safer chemicals management and healthier workplaces.
The workshop also included representatives from civil society, academia, development partners and UN agencies to promote inclusive participation.
ILO project supports action
The dialogue forms part of the ILO project entitled “Ensuring integration of occupational safety and health within the GFC Implementation Programmes.”
The project is supported by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety and implemented under the ILO’s Safety + Health for All flagship programme.
It aims to strengthen occupational safety and health systems and promote the sound management of chemicals and waste to better protect workers and communities from associated risks.
Safety framework reviewed
The dialogue reviewed Nepal’s existing legal, policy and institutional framework for chemicals management and occupational safety and health, OSH.
It also aimed to strengthen coordination between key institutions and social partners and identify priority actions for improving chemical safety nationally and within workplaces.
International standards and good practices were also discussed, including the Global Framework on Chemicals, relevant ILO international labour standards and the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals.
Discussions sought to establish consensus on recommendations that can inform future policy, institutional strengthening and capacity building in Nepal.
Cooperation highlighted
Numan Özcan, Director of the ILO Country Office for Nepal, said: “Guided by ILO standards, social dialogue and tripartite cooperation are essential to identifying practical priority actions and strengthening Nepal’s systems for ensuring safe and healthy working environments for all workers.”
