Hazardous work

Hazardous work has been identified as one of the worst forms of child labour in the International Labour Organisation’s Convention on Worst Forms of Child Labour.

Definition

It is defined in Article 3(d) of the Convention as:

“. . . work which, by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to harm the health, safety or morals of children”.

The Worst Forms of Child Labour Recommendation gives a more concrete sense of what this work is likely to encompass. It highlights:

• Work that exposes children to physical, psychological or sexual abuse.
• Work with dangerous machinery, equipment and tools, and work entailing the handling of heavy loads.
• Work in unhealthy environments, where there is exposure to hazardous substances or processes, or to extreme temperatures, noise levels or vibrations.
• Work involving long hours, night shifts or unreasonable confinement at the workplace.