"Let us not forget the impact that these accidents and diseases have on the families of the worker who has become injured, disabled or may have died as a result of work," said ILO Director-General Juan Somavia, commenting on the report. "The emotional distress, the personal adjustment and even the financial survival of the family are also factors that must be considered."
Mr. Somavia said "at the ILO, we believe that the world has a moral obligation to act. We have seen the human cost of inaction which comes at an economic price. The loss in Gross Domestic Product resulting from this reality is 20 times greater than all official development assistance to developing countries."
Coverage for occupational safety and health varied widely in different parts of the world, according to the ILO. For example, workers in Nordic countries enjoyed nearly universal coverage while only 10 per cent or less of the workforce in many developing countries was likely to benefit from any sort of coverage. Even in many developed countries, coverage against occupational injury and illness may extend to only half the workforce.
"ILO studies show that where there is real social dialogue and community consciousness, risks to safety and health and exposure to hazards are reduced," Mr. Somavia said, "and when workers and employers can organize freely and bargain, the situation improves dramatically. These findings must be part of future strategies to promote occupational safety and health at work."
Mr. Somavia said "at the ILO, we believe that the world has a moral obligation to act. We have seen the human cost of inaction which comes at an economic price. The loss in Gross Domestic Product resulting from this reality is 20 times greater than all official development assistance to developing countries."
Coverage for occupational safety and health varied widely in different parts of the world, according to the ILO. For example, workers in Nordic countries enjoyed nearly universal coverage while only 10 per cent or less of the workforce in many developing countries was likely to benefit from any sort of coverage. Even in many developed countries, coverage against occupational injury and illness may extend to only half the workforce.
"ILO studies show that where there is real social dialogue and community consciousness, risks to safety and health and exposure to hazards are reduced," Mr. Somavia said, "and when workers and employers can organize freely and bargain, the situation improves dramatically. These findings must be part of future strategies to promote occupational safety and health at work."