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IOMC webinar “Chemical accident prevention, preparedness and response"

28 April 2021 15:00 - 17:00
Geneva (online) Switzerland

The webinar on “Chemical accident prevention, preparedness and response," conducted by the IOMC (Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals), is part of a series on four key cross-sectoral issues and as a contribution to the on-going Beyond 2020 discussions.

The webinar on 28 April 2021 featured the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the World Health Organization (WHO), and other key organizations and representatives active on issues related to Accident prevention, preparedness and response. The webinar looked at the activities undertaken by different organizations, existing guidance material developed, and concrete examples of joint work and activities in the area.

It also highlighted the importance of addressing Chemicals Accidents at the national and international level. The Panel discussion included experts from IOMC Participating Organizations, government, and a regional commission of the United Nations Economic and Social Council as well as participants to the webinar. The webinar was open to all interested stakeholders participating in the SAICM (Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management) and Beyond 2020 process.

UNECE is an observer to the IOMC and had been invited to take part in the panel discussion, where the secretary to the Industrial Accidents Convention shared information and perspectives arising from the Convention’s work. In particular, her presentation focused on: 1) challenges ahead to ensure a high level of safety at hazardous installations, including in relations to climate and Natech and regulation & governance. 2) Strengthening programmes for the prevention, preparedness and response to chemical accidents, and 3)  the most essential elements of an effective chemical accident prevention program at the national level…and in a transboundary context.