Collegium Ramazzini Statement on occupational health & safety as a Fundamental Right at Work (FRAW)

CR Abstract:

In June 2019, at the 108^th session of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) International Labor Conference, governments agreed occupational health and safety should be designated a Fundamental Right at Work (FRAW). This decision is included in the ILO Centenary Declaration for the Future of Work.

The Collegium Ramazzini notes the ILO conference resolution called on the ILO Governing Body “to consider, as soon as possible” measures for including safe and healthy working conditions in the the ILO’s framework of Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. The ILO estimates 2.78 million people every year lose their lives to occupational diseases and injuries. The Covid-19 pandemic has increased dramatically this work-related toll. This harm is preventable where occupational health and safety is given the necessary resources and priority. Making occupational health and safety a Fundamental Right at Work will place an obligation on ILO member states to give the issue this priority, with consequent benefits for workers, business and society as a whole.

The Collegium Ramazzini welcomes the ILO decision to add occupational health and safety to the eight existing fundamental conventions. Under the current system, policy and practice is not sufficiently robust and does not protect all workers. Urgent action is necessary to address the preventable harm cause by work. 

The Collegium Ramazzini urges the ILO Governing Body to take at the earliest opportunity the necessary steps to implement its decision to treat occupational health and safety as a Fundamental Right at Work.  

Please see attached to read the full statement.