Organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO), World Day for Safety and Health at work aims to raise awareness and prevent occupational accidents and diseases globally.
According to the ILO:
- 6 300 people die every day as a result of occupational accidents or work-related diseases, and
- 317 million accidents occur on the job annually
Due to work-related accidents and diseases employers face costly early retirements, loss of skilled staff, absenteeism, and high insurance premiums. In fact, the annual economic burden of poor occupational safety and health practices is estimated to be 4% of global Gross Domestic Product.
But, many of these accidents can be prevented.
To help organizations reduce work-related accidents, injuries and diseases ISO is working on a standard that will provide, for the first time, an international framework for occupational health and safety (OH&S) – the future ISO 45001.
ILO is one of the organizations contributing to its development together with other key players like the Institution of Occupational Health and Safety, and the Independent International Organization for Certification.
A first draft of the standard will be available for consultation in early 2015.
"Creating a safe work environment is critical to the success of any business, and is one of the best ways to attract/retain staff and maximize productivity. Though it's still in its infancy, the future ISO standard will provide businesses around the world with a strong foundation to achieve long-term success," says Charles Corrie, Secretary of the committee developing the standard (ISO/PC 283).
