References to occupational exposures Challenges faced by workers ion batteries, which may originate from artisanal miners in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including child labourers who suffer health consequences from prolonged exposure to cobalt without even the most basic protective equipment. hazardous work These two examples also highlight one of the major problems of REACH where business enterprises are seriously challenged in tracing the use of industrial chemicals throughout the supply chain, despite the reporting requirements of the Regulation. Among the recommendations of the Special Rapporteur was one to increase information for marginalized persons and those in vulnerable situations, especially pregnant women and those who work or live with children, about protection measures, especially endocrine disrupting chemicals. • Exploitation of those most at risk • Failures to realize the right to information “Pesticides and the right to food” Human rights standards require States to protect vulnerable groups, such as farm workers and agricultural communities, children and women from the impacts of pesticides. • (A/HRC/34/48) (2017) Agricultural workers are routinely exposed to toxic pesticides via spray, drift or direct contact with treated crops or soil, from accidental spills or inadequate personal protective equipment. Even when following recommended safety precautions, those applying pesticides are subject to higher exposure levels. Families of agricultural workers are also vulnerable, as workers bring home pesticide residues on their skin, clothing and shoes. Inadequate standards of protection • Limited progress in prevention of exposure • Monitoring and enforcement gaps • Failures to realize the right to information • Inaccessible remedies, justice and accountability • Opaque supply chains and the transfer of hazardous work (Report written in collaboration with the Special Rapporteur on the right to food) Studies in developed countries show that annual acute pesticide poisoning affects nearly 1 in every 5,000 agricultural workers. Globally, however, it is unknown what percentage of farmworkers experience acute pesticide poisoning owing to a lack of standardized reporting. Poor enforcement of labour regulations and lack of health and safety training can elevate exposure risks, while many Governments lack the infrastructure and resources to regulate and monitor pesticides. The exposure risk of children engaged in agricultural work is particularly alarming. Although little data are available, the International Labour Organization estimates that about 60 per cent of child labourers worldwide work in agriculture, and children often make up a substantial portion of the agricultural workforce in developing countries. Their increased sensitivity to the hazards of pesticides, the inadequacy of protective equipment and their lack of experience may leave them particularly exposed. Seasonal and migrant workers are also more vulnerable, as they may work temporarily at various agricultural sites, multiplying their exposure risk to pesticides. Language barriers may further prevent these workers from understanding labels and safety warnings, they may experience poor working conditions without access to adequate safety equipment and they may have difficulty accessing medical care and compensation for pesticide-related diseases. Workers may also have little control over the types of pesticides used. A/HRC/39/48 50 Report