Some 1 million workers die work-related deaths annually with hundreds of millions more harmed by their jobs. Globally, over 1/3 of cancer deaths, ¼ of accident deaths, 1/5 of chronic respiratory disease deaths and one-in-seven cardiovascular disease deaths are work-related. Work is generating new occupational hazards, including musculoskeletal and psychosocial problems, asthmatic and allergic reactions, problems caused by exposure to hazardous agents. 80% of the population in Africa, Asia and Latin America is excluded from mainstream work. For workers: no coverage by labour legislation where it exists or by labour inspection, no access to basic health care services, no access to compensation for occupational accident, illness or death. Protection and promotion of health is a key goal of poverty eradication while ill-health is a liability to societies and economies. Globalization is eroding legislation and trade union health and safety initiatives. Action is needed to integrate principles of justice, fairness, equality and compassion into decision-making, to make voices heard, to promote solidarity without frontiers. Yes to a market economy, no to a market society. The future requires widespread adoption of minimum labour standards with worker involvement and increased support from employers. OSH should be a barometer of the health of the public as improving workers' health has a spillover effect into the larger community. More effort should be focussed on using the workplace as a springboard for programmes aimed at improving public health. The challenge for the 21st century is to organise globally so workers have the power to protect themselves.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Standards, Public Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.