World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2024; April 28th.

FORUM: "Climate change and safety and health at work." World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2024. As climate change intensifies, workers around the globe find themselves at an increased risk of exposure to hazards such as excessive heat, ultraviolet radiation, extreme weather events, air pollution, vector-borne diseases and agro-chemicals. A “staggering” number of workers, amounting to more than 70 per cent of the global workforce, are likely to be exposed to climate-change-related health hazards, and existing occupational safety and health (OSH) protections are struggling to keep up with the resulting risks, according to a new report by the International Labour Organization (ILO).The report, Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate, says that climate change is already having a serious impact on the safety and health of workers in all regions of the world. The ILO estimates that more than 2.4 billion workers (out of a global workforce of 3.4 billion) are likely to be exposed to excessive heat at some point during their work, according to the most recent figures available (2020). When calculated as a share of the global workforce, the proportion has increased from 65.5 per cent to 70.9 per cent since 2000. In addition, the report estimates that 18,970 lives and 2.09 million disability-adjusted life years are lost annually due to the 22.87 million occupational injuries, which are attributable to excessive heat. This is not to mention the 26.2 million people worldwide living with chronic kidney disease linked to workplace heat stress (2020 figures). However, the impact of climate change on workers goes well beyond exposure to excessive heat, the report says, creating a “cocktail of hazards”, which result in a range of dangerous health conditions. The report notes that numerous health conditions in workers have been linked to climate change, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory illnesses, kidney disfunction and mental health conditions. The impact includes:

• 1.6 billion workers exposed to UV radiation, with more than 18,960 work-related deaths annually from nonmelanoma skin cancer.
• 1.6 billion likely to be exposed to workplace air pollution, resulting in up to 860,000 work-related deaths among outdoor workers annually.
• Over 870 million workers in agriculture, likely to be exposed to pesticides, with more than 300,000 deaths attributed to pesticide poisoning annually.
• 15,000 work-related deaths every year due to exposure to parasitic and vector-borne diseases.

“It’s clear that climate change is already creating significant additional health hazards for workers,” said Manal Azzi, OSH Team Lead at the ILO. “It is essential that we heed these warnings. Occupational safety and health considerations must be become part of our climate change responses – both policies and actions. Working in safe and healthy environments is recognized as one of the ILO’s fundamental principles and rights at work. We must deliver on that commitment in relation to climate change, just as in every other aspect of work.” The report also explores current country responses, including revising or creating new legislation, regulations and guidance, and improving climate mitigation strategies – such as energy efficiency measures – in working environments. Join the International Labour Organization global dialogue. Follow the conversation wirh the hashtags: #WorldDayofSafetyandHealthatwork, #28April, #SafeWorkingEnvironment, #HealthyWorkingEnvironment. #Rightatwork, #safeday.

 

EVENTS: On 28 April, from 13:30 to 15:30 PM GMT, the ILO Global debate on climate change and occupational diseases will relate the health consequences of climate change can include cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory illnesses, kidney dysfunction and mental health conditions. the celebration will bring together experts and constituents to discuss the implications it has for the world of work, as well as how to practically implement this right in the world of work. It will also serve to present the findings of research on the implementation status of various provisions of the fundamental Convention No. 155 and the Convention No. 187.  Stay tuned and get ready to watch the Livestream!

STATEMENTS: Statement from ILO Director-General on World Day for Safety and Health at work 2024; April 28th.

As climate change intensifies, workers around the globe find themselves at an increased risk of exposure to hazards such as excessive heat, ultraviolet radiation, extreme weather events, air pollution, vector-borne diseases and agrochemicals. The time to act is now!
The climate emergency is affecting our planet, our ecosystems, and millions of workers worldwide.
Seventy percent of workers today are facing dangerous levels of heat. Workers also face chemical exposure, UV radiation, pollution, and vector-borne diseases.
And it is affecting their health and mental well-being.
Illnesses like kidney and heart disease, and cancer are on the rise.
The danger is present and real, and the time to act is now.
On this World Day for Safety and Health at Work, I urge all nations to ensure that their safety and health policies adequately protect workers and livelihoods, and ensures overall productivity.

Statement by the ILO Bangladesh Director Office Mr.Tuomo Poutiainen on World Day for Safety and Health at work 2024; April 28th.

April 28, 2024 The World Day for Safety and Health at Work, is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made since Bangladesh began commemoration of the day


The World Day for Safety and Health at Work, is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made since Bangladesh began commemoration of the day in 2016.

The International Labour Organization (ILO), supports Bangladesh in its journey to address occupational safety and health (OSH), and in establishing a robust national OSH framework to make all workplaces safe. The adoption of the OSH policy, the creation of the OSH country profile, and the development of the National Action Plan on OSH all mark significant milestones in this journey. These achievements are testament to the country's commitment to improving workplace safety and health, aligning with international standards and ILO conventions.

Despite these notable advancements, we recognize the challenges that remain. Building a proactive culture of prevention of workplace hazards and accidents requires continuous effort, collaboration, and collective action. In addition to having protective policies, it is also important to have effective policy implementation, ensuring that every worker in Bangladesh is guaranteed of a safe and healthy work environment. This calls for concerted efforts from the government, employers, workers, along with the support of development partners and civil society.

To further strengthen the effective implementation of occupational safety and health measures in Bangladesh, the country may consider ratifying the ILO Conventions on OSH; the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) and the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187). These conventions provide a robust framework for establishing, implementing, and continually improving the Bangladesh safety and health management systems that are crucial for protecting workers.

As we commemorate this day, let us reaffirm our commitment to advancing workplace safety and health across all sectors. The ILO remains committed to supporting Bangladesh in its endeavours to improve safety and health at work. The ILO is thankful to development partners for their continued commitment and partnership in advancing safety and health in the world of work. Through our collective efforts, we can achieve a safer, healthier, and more productive workforce, contributing to the sustainable development and economic growth of Bangladesh.

Let us continue to work hand in hand to strengthen the implementation of the OSH National Action Plan and foster a lasting culture of safety and health at work. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of millions of workers in Bangladesh.

ILO Country Director;