References to occupational exposures Challenges faced by workers for both environmental contaminants and human health conditions, and are carried out by competent authorities to ensure an environmentally sound reflection of the impact of contaminants on the environment and human health of proposed developments. “Right to information on hazardous substances and waste” (A/HRC/30/40) (2015) The Special Rapporteur’s report describes the rights of workers and others in relation to right to information. The report contains obligations of States and responsibilities of business enterprises in relation to the right to information. It clarifies that information on hazardous substances should be available, accessible and functional for everyone, consistent with the principle of nondiscrimination, in order for States to meet their human rights obligations and businesses their corresponding responsibilities. The Special Rapporteur noted with concern that workers are exposed to above-average levels of hazardous substances, with regular reports of inadequate training and adverse health impacts from preventable accidents and occupational exposure. The Special Rapporteur also noted the right of workers to remove themselves from situations they believe are hazardous, which is contingent on information about the known and unknown risks of the substances to which they are exposed. The reports notes that in order to protect those most at risk, States must ensure that disaggregated information is available and accessible regarding the risks of hazardous substances to various population groups, such as workers, children or pregnant women. Similarly, the information should be monitored and disaggregated by sex and population group, such as workers in industries with exposure to hazardous substances, low-income communities, indigenous peoples or minorities, or other groups who are at high risk of adverse impacts. In addition, States must ensure information flows effectively to communities at risk to enable them to be aware of risks and options to prevent harm. Disaggregated information on adverse effects linked to hazardous substances, such as cancer, can help to identify those at risk of disproportionate impacts, and help to provide an effective remedy. In addition, bio-monitoring initiatives can also help to provide disaggregated information, for example on hazardous substances in mother’s breast milk passed onto children. To help overcome the challenge of making information accessible to workers and others at risk, a long-standing tool nationally and internationally is classification and labelling. These laws help to ensure businesses, workers and the public have access to information about the risks associated with hazardous substances in the workplace. To this end, States have pledged to implement “hazard communication mechanisms”,4 such as the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, and to use safety data sheets. Training of workers is required for these tools to work effectively. 4 SAICM, Overarching Policy Strategy (see footnote 13 above), para. 15 (b) (ii). ILO instruments • Failures to realize the right to information A/HRC/39/48 40 Report