World Day for Safety Health at Workplace: South-East Asia face high burden mortality

WHO South-East Asia Region (SEAR) faces a disproportionately high burden of work-related mortality, with 36.5 deaths per 100,000 of the working population. World Health Organization (WHO) and ILO estimated that work-related diseases and injuries resulted in 1.88 million deaths in 2016.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) started to observe World Day in 2003 to raise the political profile of occupational health and safety, and to fulfil the integral ‘advocacy’ component of their Global Strategy on Occupational Safety and Health.

Given that nearly 60% of the global population is engaged in work, the fundamental right of all workers to a safe and healthy environment is one of great importance. “Our WHO South-East Asia Region (SEAR) faces a disproportionately high burden of work-related mortality, with 36.5 deaths per 100,000 of the working population. Occupational health encompasses the physical, mental, and social well-being of workers, while preventing workplace-related hazards. Occupational risks also rank as the third-largest environmental risk factor for disease estimates in our Region”, said Saima Wazed, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia.

Informal workers in the region face significant challenges due to poor working conditions and limited social protection. They are disproportionately vulnerable to economic shocks and lack adequate workplace protections, exacerbating the impact of workplace injuries.

The impact of climate change on occupational health has also recently emerged as a concern. Climate-related hazards, particularly extreme weather events, limit work output and duration, and pose risks to workers’ health and safety.

Saima Wazed emphasised that ensuring better occupational health and safety rests on partnerships and collaboration. Our Regional Plan of Action for the WHO Global Strategy on Health, Environment, and Climate Change (2020-2030) emphasizes collaboration between health and labor ministries to comprehensively address occupational health.

Collaboration between these health and employment sectors is crucial for protecting vulnerable segments of society. Non-contributory social protection systems are also essential for safeguarding informal workers from the economic consequences of workplace injuries, she added.