Health and life at work: A basic human right 27 April 2009 - The ILO estimates that each year about 2.3 million men and women die from work-related accidents and diseases including close to 360,000 fatal accidents and an estimated 1.95 million fatal work-related diseases. The protection of the worker against sickness, disease and injury arising out of his employment - is not only a labour right but a fundamental human right and is one of the main objectives of the ILO as stated in its Constitution. Therefore, the ILO contribution to the recognition of human rights in the world of work is clearly reflected in the fundamental principles of its labour standards.