A safe and healthy working environment is a fundamental principle and right at work

In June 2022, the International Labour Conference (ILC) decided to include “a safe and healthy working environment” in the ILO’s framework of fundamental principles and rights at work.

On 28 April 2023, the ILO will celebrate this decision, bringing together experts and constituents to discuss the implications it has for the world of work, as well as how to practically implement this right in the world of work. It will also serve to present the findings of research on the implementation status of various provisions of the fundamental Conventions No. 155 and No. 187. Keynote speakers include ITUC deputy general secretary Owen Tudor. Rebecca Reindel, health and safety director with the US national union federation AFL-CIO, is a panellist.

1. Live on Friday, 28 April from 13:30 to 15:00 CEST

How can we promote the fundamental right to a safe and healthy working environment? 

Join the ILO global dialogue on how to implement a safe and healthy working environment as a fundamental principle and right at work.

To inform 28 April discussions, ILO has also produced a detailed report, Implementing a safe and healthy working environment: Where are we now?

ILO notes: “In the context of the 2023 World Day for Safety and Health at Work celebrating the recognition of a “safe and healthy working environment” as a fundamental principle and right at work, this report provides information on the global implementation status of some of the key provisions contained in the fundamental Conventions Nos 155 and 187.”

The report provides a sobering analysis of the challenges ahead. It found over a fifth (21 per cent) of ILO member states do not as yet have a national tripartite consultative structure on health and safety. Almost a third (32 per cent) do not provide legal protection for workers who remove themselves from serious or imminent dangers at work, a requirement ILO Convention 155.