Work Related Deaths
A Global Crisis: An estimated 2.78 million workers die from work-related causes each year, equivalent to over 7,500 workers per day.
Occupational Accidents: These are accidents that occur during work activities, including falls, machinery accidents, and exposure to dangerous substances.
Occupational Diseases: These are diseases caused or exacerbated by workplace hazards, such as cancer, heart disease, and respiratory diseases.
Long Working Hours: Excessive work hours increase the risk of both occupational accidents and diseases.
Economic Hardship: Losing a worker can devastate a family’s finances, leaving them without their primary source of income.
Emotional Distress: The death of a loved one can cause immense emotional distress, including grief, anger, and guilt.
Lost Productivity: Work-related deaths significantly impact productivity, as employers lose valuable skills and expertise
A Global Crisis: An estimated 2.78 million workers die from work-related causes each year, equivalent to over 7,500 workers per day.
Occupational Accidents: These are accidents that occur during work activities, including falls, machinery accidents, and exposure to dangerous substances.
Occupational Diseases: These are diseases caused or exacerbated by workplace hazards, such as cancer, heart disease, and respiratory diseases.
Long Working Hours: Excessive work hours increase the risk of both occupational accidents and diseases.
Economic Hardship: Losing a worker can devastate a family’s finances, leaving them without their primary source of income.
Emotional Distress: The death of a loved one can cause immense emotional distress, including grief, anger, and guilt.
Lost Productivity: Work-related deaths significantly impact productivity, as employers lose valuable skills and expertise
ILO recomendations:
ILO Observations on Work-Related Deaths and Long Working Hours
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has raised concerns about the increasing number of work-related deaths associated with long working hours. In 2021, the ILO and the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that 750,000 deaths were caused by long working hours, an increase of 29% since 2000.
Long Working Hours Linked to Increased Risk of Stroke and Heart Disease.
The ILO has observed that long working hours are a significant risk factor for stroke and heart disease. Working 55 or more hours per week is associated with a 35% higher risk of stroke and a 17% higher risk of dying from ischemic heart disease, compared to working 35-40 hours per week.
Long Working Hours Particularly Harmful for Men and Older Workers
ILO Calls for Action to Reduce Work-Related Deaths from Long Working Hours
Limiting working hours: Governments should set limits on the number of hours to 55 per week that workers can legally work.
Promoting flexible work arrangements: Employers should offer flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting and compressed workweeks, to allow workers to better balance their work and personal lives.
Raising awareness of the risks of long working hours: Workers and employers should be educated about the risks of long working hours and how to identify and manage these risks.
Healthcare: Long working hours in the healthcare sector can lead to burnout, fatigue, and medical errors.
Transport: Long working hours in the transport sector can lead to fatigue, accidents, and injuries.
Healthcare: Long working hours in the healthcare sector can lead to burnout, fatigue, and medical errors.
Transport: Long working hours in the transport sector can lead to fatigue, accidents, and injuries.
Agriculture: Long working hours in the agricultural sector can lead to exposure to hazardous substances, repetitive strain injuries, and musculoskeletal disorders.
ILO Observations on the Impact of Long Working Hours on Families
The ILO has also observed that long working hours can have a negative impact on families. When parents work long hours, they have less time to spend with their children, which can lead to emotional and behavioral problems in children.
ILO Observations on the Economic Costs of Long Working Hours
The ILO has also observed that long working hours can have a negative impact on economies. Long working hours can lead to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and higher healthcare costs.
ILO Observations on the Need for a Global Approach to Reducing Work- Related Deaths from Long Working Hours.
The ILO has called for a number of measures to reduce work-related deaths from long working hours, including:
- International standards: The ILO should develop international standards for working hours.
- National policies: Governments should develop national policies to reduce long working hours.
- Social dialogue: Employers and workers should engage in social dialogue to develop solutions to the problem of long working hours.
ILO Observations on the Importance of Enforcement: The ILO has emphasized the importance of enforcement in reducing work-related deaths from long working hours. Governments should ensure ü that working hour laws are enforced and that employers are held accountable for violating these laws.
ILO Observations on the Way Forward
The ILO has called for a concerted effort to reduce work-related deaths from long working hours. This effort should involve governments, employers, workers, and international organizations.
