Occupational health 2012, para. 40

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Paragraph text: The right to health also requires States to address the prevention and reduction of the population's exposure to harmful substances, such as pesticides, and to assess their health impacts on workers. This is particularly important with respect to migrant workers because they may have limited access to health facilities, goods and services, and may lack access to the justice system. Where there is a real and confirmed hazard, the obligation to protect the right to occupational health requires States to prohibit production, sale and use of these substances. Where there is a reasonable potential for risk, States have a duty to take appropriate measures to reduce or prevent exposure, taking into consideration both the likelihood that harm will result and the extent of that harm. This includes requiring that pesticide labels are printed in all relevant languages, and agricultural workers are provided with adequate training and information regarding the use of pesticides.

Body: Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health

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Person(s) affected