Representatives of governments, employers and workers have adopted conclusions to strengthen occupational safety and health (OSH) in the retail sector, as technological, organizational and environmental changes continue to reshape work.
Adopted at an ILO technical meeting held in Geneva from 28 September to 2 October, the conclusions address retail enterprises and work arrangements, including warehousing and distribution services. They reaffirm that a safe and healthy working environment is a fundamental principle and right at work that applies to all workers.
Digital transformation was a central focus of the meeting. Participants agreed that AI, automated systems and other digital technologies can support productivity, safer work, risk assessment and training. At the same time, their design and use may also create or intensify OSH risks.
The conclusions address issues including work intensity, monitoring, privacy and data protection, potential bias and the need for human involvement in reviewing decisions. They recognize the role of enterprises in investment and operations, while calling for early and effective worker consultation where technological change may affect OSH.
"Retail is changing quickly. These conclusions show that innovation and sustainable enterprises can advance with effective worker protection. They provide a tripartite framework to strengthen prevention and manage technological change through social dialogue," said Vera Paquete-Perdigão, Director of the ILO's Governance and Sectoral Policies Department and Secretary-General of the meeting.
The conclusions place prevention at the centre of OSH management, based on risk assessment, the hierarchy of controls and a high standard of protection. They call for practical support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), including information, training and technical or financial support, and for extending OSH services to the informal economy as part of efforts towards formalization.
Worker protection priorities include psychosocial hazards linked to workload, staffing, working time, monitoring and organizational change; violence and harassment, including by third parties; and equality and non-discrimination as part of OSH management. Given women's significant representation in retail, OSH policies and risk assessments should take a gender perspective into account.
Governments are called on to strengthen labour inspection, OSH data and institutional capacity, as well as social protection and measures addressing extreme weather. Employers' and workers' organizations should promote a culture of prevention, support members with tools and engage in social dialogue, including collective bargaining and workplace cooperation.
Building on the 2023 ILO technical meeting on digitalization in retail, ILO action will include promoting the ratification and effective implementation of international labour standards relevant to OSH in retail, as well as social dialogue to support the promotion of OSH and preventive action; strengthening capacity-building; supporting constituents to collect, analyze and use retail-specific OSH data; developing and periodically updating sectoral tools and training materials; and systematically collecting and disseminating good practices and case studies, including on social dialogue.
