Today is the World Day of Safety and Health at Work. 2.9 million people die each year from work-related causes. Work related deaths have risen 12% since 2000. Poor occupational safety and health is estimated to cost the equivalent of up to $3 trillion annually – equivalent to 5.8% of GDP.
For the day, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has launched Psychosocial Risks in the Workplace guidance which examines psychosocial factors across the job; how work is managed and organised; and the broader policies, practices and procedures that govern work. Find out more here. Occupational health professionals play a key role in supporting and protecting the mental and physical health of the working population.
SOM also supports International Workers’ Memorial Day held on the same day. It honours the memory of those who died due to work related causes, and to ensure the fight goes on for those living who continue to be exposed to dangers at work. 2026 themes are Mental health and psychosocial risks; Preventing workplace violence; and Fight for democracy. Find out more here.
SOM is part of the Global Occupational Safety and Health (GOSH) Coalition, which is urging the World Health Organization (WHO) and delegates to its World Health Assembly next month to ensure that worker health is enshrined in its strategy and plans. In a letter sent to the WHO Director General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the GOSH Coalition sets out three demands:
- The continuation of the Health in the World of Work Network, launched by WHO in 2021 to strength collaboration and knowledge-sharing on safe and resilient workplaces.
- A new Workers' Health Global Plan of Action, succeeding the 2008-2017 plan, to reinforce and strengthen global standards, prevent occupational illnesses and injuries, protect and promote the health of all workers globally and address emerging risks, such as those associated with climate change, digitalisation and psychosocial hazards.
- The continuation and expansion of the Global Network of WHO Collaborating Centres for Occupational Health, with a view to bringing in non-state actors alongside stronger coordination between WHO and ILO at global, regional and country levels to drive partnerships between health and labour ministries.