The International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with Jordan’s Ministries of Labour and Agriculture, has launched the final Arabic version of the “Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health in the Agriculture Sector.” The new guide is a major step toward improving workplace safety, reducing risks, and promoting decent work for Jordan’s agricultural workforce, which operates in one of the country’s most hazardous sectors.
The guidelines aim to strengthen the protection of agricultural workers by reducing occupational accidents and diseases while fostering a culture of safety. They align Jordanian legislation on safe working conditions, fair hours, leave entitlements, maternity protection, and safeguards for juveniles with international occupational safety and health (OSH) standards, ensuring employers are held responsible for safe workplaces and housing.
Officials emphasized the guide’s importance in addressing key agricultural risks, including unsafe chemical use and extreme weather conditions. Developed in close cooperation with both ministries and social partners, the guidelines were tested through pilot programs involving trainers, agricultural unions, and cooperatives. Following technical endorsement, the Ministry of Labour will roll out Training of Trainers for inspectors nationwide to strengthen implementation and oversight.
The initiative is part of the ILO’s PROSPECTS Partnership, supported by the Government of the Netherlands, which collaborates with international partners such as the IFC, UNHCR, UNICEF, and the World Bank. The guide will be accompanied by a workplan to expand field-level training for farmers, cooperatives, and agricultural workers. Dutch officials praised the effort as a contribution to dignified work and improved living conditions for both Jordanians and refugees.
The new resource equips inspectors, employers, and workers with practical tools to manage risks in agriculture, covering hazards such as chemicals, unsafe machinery, harsh climates, and long hours. It promotes preventive measures, the use of protective equipment, and safeguards for women and young workers. ILO representatives noted that ensuring safe and healthy workplaces is central to sustainable development and food security.
Globally, agriculture remains one of the most dangerous industries, with nearly three million workers dying every year from work-related accidents and diseases. One-third of all fatal occupational injuries occur in agriculture, costing economies an estimated 4% of global GDP annually. By adopting these guidelines, Jordan is taking a significant step toward reversing this trend and ensuring safer, fairer, and more productive agricultural workplaces.
