On June 10, 2022, following several years of preparation, the principle of a safe and healthy working environment was added to the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. (The other core principles are: freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining; the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour; abolition of child labour; and elimination of discrimination in employment.)

This landmark decision means that all ILO Member States – 187 countries — commit to respect and promote the fundamental right to a safe and healthy working environment, whether or not they have ratified the relevant Conventions. It recognizes that we need stronger occupational safety and health systems to prevent the current unacceptable losses of almost 3 million people who die each year from work-related causes, and the 400 million more who fall sick or are injured at work.

The new fundamental Conventions will be the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No.155) , and the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187) .For more information see: https://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/newsroom/news/WCMS_848132/lang–en/index.htm