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World experts gather to discuss ways to keep workers safer on the job.
Geneva (25 Aug. 2014)—A world without fatal or serious occupational accidents is possible, the organizers of the XX World Congress on Safety and Health at Work 2014 have appealed, as the largest global occupational safety event opened in Frankfurt, Germany today.
Nearly 4,000 occupational safety experts, politicians and scientists from 139 countries will, until Wednesday evening, be discussing ways of making work safer and healthier. The triennial Congress is coorganized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Social Security Association (ISSA), and is hosted this year by the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV).
Enormous global problem
According to the ILO, 2.3 million people worldwide die annually as a result of occupational illnesses and accidents at work. In addition, there are 860,000 occupational accidents every day, with consequences in terms of injuries. The direct or indirect cost of occupational illness and accidents at work is estimated at US $2.8 trillion worldwide.
“These figures are unacceptable and yet these daily tragedies often fail to show up on the global radar. Clearly, there is still much to be done. Serious occupational accidents are, firstly, human tragedies but economies and society also pay a high price,” said ILO Director-General Guy Ryder. “The right to a safe and healthy workplace is a basic human right – a right to be respected at every level of development and in different economic conditions. Respecting this human right is an obligation – as well as a condition for sustainable economic development. Prevention is possible, it is necessary and it pays.”
Need to invest in risk prevention
“Investment in risk prevention has led to remarkable socioeconomic benefits,” declared ISSA President Errol Frank Stoové, referring to a recent ISSA study that calculates the return on investments in prevention as averaging more than twice the amount invested. However, with a dramatically changing world of work, the health and well-being of workers remain a concern, in particular due to mental and ergonomic strain. This requires that we develop new, integrated strategies for prevention, which connect the safety, health and well-being of the individual.”
A world without fatal accidents is possible
Dr. Walter Eichendorf, President of the 2014 World Congress, added: “Solutions to occupational safety problems are being developed worldwide. There are examples of best practice, with measures being tested and evaluated in the most diverse of countries. The exchange of ideas at the World Congress prevents anyone from having to start again from zero.”
More information:
XX World Congress on Safety and Health at Work 2014
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