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. [Source: ILO Convention 182]
ILO Recommendation 190 notes the following should be considered when determining whether work is hazardous child labour:
(a) work which exposes children to physical, psychological or sexual abuse;
(b) work underground, under water, at dangerous heights or in confined spaces;
(c) work with dangerous machinery, equipment and tools, or which involves the manual handling or transport of heavy loads;
(d) work in an unhealthy environment which may, for example, expose children to hazardous substances, agents or processes, or to temperatures, noise levels or vibrations damaging to their health;
(e) work under particularly difficult conditions such as work for long hours or during the night or work where the child is unreasonably confined to the premises of the employer.
National laws or regulations or the competent authority could, after consultation with the workers’ and employers’ organisations concerned, authorise employment or work from the age of 16 on condition that the health, safety and morals of the children concerned are fully protected, and that the children have received adequate, specific instruction or vocational training in the relevant branch of activity. [Source: ILO Recommendation 190].
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