The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS): Brochure

This brochure provides an overview of the GHS and how it relates to occupational safety and health and International Labour Standards

Around the world, over 1 million workers lose their lives annually due to exposure to toxic chemicals, with countless other workers suffering from debilitating disease and chronic illness. Major industrial accidents continue to pose a grave threat to workers, as evidenced by recent events, such as the 2020 explosion in the port of Beirut which killed hundreds and injured thousands.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) aims to protect workers and work toward sound chemicals management through the promotion and ratification of its International labour standards (ILS) related to chemicals and OSH. A number of ILS require the implementation of systems for hazard classification, communication and training.

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), developed following a number of major industrial accidents in the 1970s and 1980s, plays a fundamental role in protecting workers from chemical hazards through its system of harmonized chemical labels (pictograms) and safety data sheets.

This brochure provides an overview of the GHS and how it relates to occupational safety and health and international labour standards.