The report provides an overview of the most recent worldwide estimates of occupational and work-related accidents and diseases, and what the ILO and its member states are doing to improve conditions in the workplace.
According to the report, there are about 2.2 million work-related deaths each year, occurring largely in three economic sectors:
agriculture/fishing/forestry;
manufacturing industries and construction;
service industries.
However, there is a marked difference between developed and developing countries in this respect: whilst developed countries have seen a decline in the fatal accident trend due to greater employment in the relatively safe service sectors, the industrialisation of developing countries is accompanied by exposure to previously unknown risks such as those found in factory and construction environments.
There has also been a general increase in the number of work-related accidents and diseases since the previous study was undertaken. Among the reasons for this increase is the rise in the total number of workers (economically active population).
The 3rd ILO World Day for safety and Health at Work was held in April 2005 and has thus far played a significant role in promoting awareness about occupational safety and health (OSH). In 2004/05 alone, 35 member States have updated their legislation and developed national OSH programmes together with systems designed to implement those programmes.
With regart to the European level, the Luxembourg presidency jointly organised a special conference on Labour Inspection in 2005. After having targeted noise at work, the European Agency for Safety at Work plans to run a campaign on work safety of young people.
Related EPHA articles:
EP Report on workplace health and safety
RoSPA comments on the 2002-2006 EU strategy on health and safety at work
