The International Labor Conference (ILC) held by the United Nations in 2022 took a significant decision to include “a safe and healthy environment” as one of the fundamental principles and rights at work, within the framework of the International Labor Organization (ILO) . This decision, taken in June 2022, reflects the importance of creating an adequate and dignified environment for all workers worldwide.

Today, April 28, 2023, the ILO is commemorating this decision by convening a meeting of experts and members to discuss the implications of this right in the context of the exercise of the most diverse functions, and how to implement it effectively. The event will also present the results of the survey on the status of implementation of key provisions of Conventions nº 155 and nº 187, which highlight the importance of providing a safe and healthy work environment for employees and collaborators.

This decision is a significant milestone in the ILO's Global Strategy on Safety and Health at Work, which emphasizes the prevention of accidents and illnesses in work activities. The World Day for Safety and Health at Work, observed on 28 April each year, is an integral part of this strategy as it provides an excellent opportunity to raise awareness about how to create a safe and dignified work environment.

When remembering World Day for Safety and Health at Work, it is important to emphasize the importance of guaranteeing human and labor rights, not to ignore working conditions similar to slavery and the precarious conditions faced by many workers in countries where the workforce it is cheap and exploitation is common. Adult workers in low-wage countries face slavery-like working conditions. The ILO estimates that 21 million people worldwide are in forced labour. Many of these workers are subjected to physical and psychological violence and are forced to work long hours for very low wages.

Even more alarming, according to the 2022 International Labor Organization (ILO) report, an estimated 152 million children worldwide are in child labour. Many of these children work in precarious conditions, including in agriculture, mining, construction and other industries that depend on cheap labor.

While steps have been taken to improve working conditions in many of these countries, much remains to be done to ensure that workers are treated with dignity and respect and that they have access to fair wages, safe and healthy working conditions and protection from forced labor and child labor.

These inhuman working conditions are unacceptable and must be tackled globally. Employers have a responsibility to ensure safe and healthy conditions for their workers, regardless of where the company is based. Governments also have a crucial role to play in promoting appropriate labor policies and regulations to protect workers from abusive and dangerous working conditions.

Raising awareness of these issues is crucial to ending the exploitation of workers around the world. As a global community, we must work together to ensure that all workers can work in safety and dignity. This is not only a basic human right, but also a necessity for a just and sustainable world.