A CALL FOR SAFER AND HEALTHIER WORKING ENVIRONMENTS

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Context: The report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) sheds light on the increasing number of deaths globally due to work-related factors, emphasizing the urgent need for stronger safety measures.

Details

• The International Labour Organization's report presents a thorough assessment of the multifaceted causes behind work-related fatalities, shedding light on critical factors influencing these tragic events globally.

Key points from the report

Global Impact

• Nearly 30 lakh (3 million) workers die every year globally due to work-related accidents and diseases.
• More than 63% of these deaths occur in the Asia-Pacific region.

Causes of Deaths

• Exposure to long working hours (55 hours or more per week) is identified as the leading cause of work-related deaths, resulting in almost 7.45 lakh fatalities in 2016.
• Other significant causes include exposure to occupational particulate matter, gases, and fumes (4.5 lakh deaths) and occupational injuries (3.63 lakh deaths).
• The report identifies the mining and quarrying, construction, and utilities sectors as the three most hazardous sectors globally.

Conference and Representation

• The report, titled "A Call for safer and healthier working environments," is scheduled for discussion at the 23rd World Congress on Safety and Health at Work in Sydney.
• The Director-General of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation is representing India at the conference.

International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions

• The report notes that out of 187 member countries, 79 have ratified the ILO Occupational Safety and Health Convention (No. 155), and 62 have ratified the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187).
• India has not ratified either of these conventions.

Work-Related Diseases and Accidents

• The majority of work-related deaths (26 lakh) are attributed to work-related diseases, while work accidents resulted in 3.3 lakh deaths.
• Circulatory diseases, malignant neoplasms, and respiratory diseases are highlighted as the diseases causing most work-related deaths.

Recommendations

• The report recommends five categories of "Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work" to ensure safety and health at work, including freedom of association, elimination of forced labour, abolition of child labour, elimination of discrimination, and a safe and healthy working environment.

Conclusion

• The report underscores the critical need for immediate and concerted global action to address work-related fatalities. It stresses the necessity of implementing robust safety measures, ratifying essential conventions, and prioritizing the fundamental rights and well-being of workers across various industries and regions.

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ILO: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/ilo

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. How does the unorganized sector in India impact the country's economy, and what measures or initiatives are being taken to address the challenges faced by workers in this sector?