Technical Workshop on World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2024
This year, the core theme is the repercussions of climate change on safety and health at work. In this framework, the ILO office for Spain and the INSST are organising a joint technical conference on 25 April to commemorate it.
12 March 2024
MADRID (ILO News) - In 2003, the International Labour Organization agreed to celebrate World Day for Safety and Health at Work annually on 28 April to put the global spotlight on the need for prevention and the promotion of a genuine culture of occupational risk prevention. This has been reinforced by the proclamation, as a fundamental right of the ILO, of the right to safe and healthy working environments by the International Labour Conference in June 2022.
This year, the International Labour Organization (ILO) office for Spain, together with the National Institute for Safety and Health at Work (INSST), are jointly commemorating World Day for Safety and Health at Work for the third consecutive year by holding a technical conference focused on the challenges and consequences that climate change poses for the safety and health of workers.
Climate change affects the safety and health of working people. By 2030, the equivalent of more than 2 per cent of the world's total working hours will be lost each year, either because it is too hot to work or because workers are forced to work at a slower pace.
Minimising environmental and health risks from chemicals and residues is also essential. Each year, hazardous substances kill around 1.1 million workers worldwide, equivalent to approximately 2,900 a day, while exposure to toxic chemicals is responsible for more than tens of millions of working days lost due to disability, ill health or premature death. The economic impact is estimated at 2.1% of annual global GDP. The extent and cost of the impact is expected to increase, given the growing use of chemicals and increasing life expectancy.
The ILO will produce several materials for World Day 2024, including a report, promotional materials, as well as a global event with experts and guest speakers from governments, employers and workers to discuss how to protect workers and respond to this global challenge.
This year, the International Labour Organization (ILO) office for Spain, together with the National Institute for Safety and Health at Work (INSST), are jointly commemorating World Day for Safety and Health at Work for the third consecutive year by holding a technical conference focused on the challenges and consequences that climate change poses for the safety and health of workers.
Climate change affects the safety and health of working people. By 2030, the equivalent of more than 2 per cent of the world's total working hours will be lost each year, either because it is too hot to work or because workers are forced to work at a slower pace.
Minimising environmental and health risks from chemicals and residues is also essential. Each year, hazardous substances kill around 1.1 million workers worldwide, equivalent to approximately 2,900 a day, while exposure to toxic chemicals is responsible for more than tens of millions of working days lost due to disability, ill health or premature death. The economic impact is estimated at 2.1% of annual global GDP. The extent and cost of the impact is expected to increase, given the growing use of chemicals and increasing life expectancy.
The ILO will produce several materials for World Day 2024, including a report, promotional materials, as well as a global event with experts and guest speakers from governments, employers and workers to discuss how to protect workers and respond to this global challenge.
Publications
Fundamental conventions on occupational safety and healthKey Conventions
- Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155)
- Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187)