The College of Law – University of Baghdad discussed the Master’s thesis entitled “Legal Regulation for the Protection of Workers in Biological Laboratories from Occupational Hazards: A Comparative Study,” submitted by the student Tabarak Mowafaq Majeed, at the Public Law Department, on Sunday, August 9, 2026, in the College’s Virtual Court Hall.

The examination committee consisted of:

  1. Prof. Dr. Musaddaq Adel Talib (Chairman).
  2. Prof. Dr. Mohammed Abdulrahman Ibrahim (Member).
  3. Dr. Hawraa Kareem Abdul Ali (Member).
  4. Prof. Dr. Saba Numan Rashid (Member and Supervisor).

The thesis aimed to assess the adequacy of the legal framework established for protecting workers in biological laboratories from occupational hazards by analyzing the relevant legal provisions in Iraqi legislation and comparing them with the legislations under comparison. It also sought to identify shortcomings and deficiencies in these provisions in order to develop legal proposals that contribute to strengthening protection and preventing such hazards.

The thesis consisted of two chapters. The first chapter addressed the conceptual framework and preventive legal protection for workers in laboratories. The second chapter examined the rules of legal liability and compensation for biological harm.

The thesis concluded with several recommendations, the most prominent of which are:

  1. The Arab Labour Organization should follow the approach of the International Labour Organization by adopting a convention or recommendation concerning the protection of workers from biological hazards, as such hazards have become among the most significant occupational challenges currently faced by workers, requiring the necessary measures to protect them.
  2. Employers and those responsible for managing and operating laboratories should ensure a safe laboratory work environment, as they are closest to the workers and are most knowledgeable about the hazards inherent in biological laboratories. They should also provide the equipment and means necessary to ensure the protection of all workers and raise their awareness by informing them of the risks and the appropriate precautionary measures.

  3. The Iraqi legislature should grant hazard allowances to workers engaged in hazardous occupations in proportion to the level of risk associated with such work, particularly workers in Biosafety Level 3 and Biosafety Level 4 laboratories.

Comments are disabled.