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Human Rights Day offers an essential reminder that dignity, fairness and safety at work are fundamental human rights. As workplaces transform rapidly, the need to protect and advance these rights has never been more urgent.
A Turning Point in Global Labour Standards
The International Labour Standards, established by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), set out essential principles and rights for all workers. These include the right to work, social security, safe and healthy working conditions, and fair wages. In 2022, the ILO formally added a safe and healthy working environment to its list of fundamental principles and rights at work (FPRW). Despite progress, millions of workers continue to face hazardous conditions and exploitation.
Why This Matters going forward
The world of work is undergoing a profound transformation driven by remote and hybrid work, technological developments, climate-related risks, demographic shifts, and global inequalities. Protecting human rights must remain central to organisational sustainability and responsibility.
What Businesses Must Do
1. Ensure robust health and safety management.
2. Integrate OSH into human rights due diligence.
3. Build resilient, sustainable, human-centred workplaces.
The Role of Health and Safety Professionals
OSH professionals play a vital role in shaping positive workplace cultures, promoting inclusive and equitable practices, and building resilient organisations capable of anticipating and responding to change.
A Call to Act
Safe and healthy work is a fundamental human right. Achieving this requires commitment from governments, employers, workers and OSH professionals.
References
1. International Labour Organisation (ILO). (2022). ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work – Inclusion of a Safe and Healthy Working Environment.
2. ILO International Labour Standards. Fundamental Conventions and Rights at Work.
3. IOSH Advocacy on OSH as a Fundamental Right.
4. ILO (2024). The Changing Nature of Work: Occupational Safety and Health in a Transforming World.
5. United Nations OHCHR. Business and Human Rights Guidance.
Author: Conor Mc Manus (Managing Director, C-Risk Management Sdn.Bhd.)
Image: Freepik
