Occupational accidents and diseases cause human suffering and loss. Their economic cost is high, with some two million workers dying each year from work-related accidents and diseases, and the figure is on the increase in spite of efforts to make inroads.
The Philippine Government estimates that 2.2 million Filipino workers in medium and large enterprises enjoy effective occupational safety and health (OSH) protection and services. In other words, 17 of 18 persons in the nation’s workforce of 38.8 million do not benefit from acceptable working conditions. Studies substantiate that OSH conditions in micro-firms and the informal sector pose risks and hazards.
ILO Manila supports programmes to promote a culture of safety and health that bring OSH services to those that need them the most. A range of government and non-government agencies are partners, with beneficiaries that include agrarian reform farmers, informal workers and trade unions and their members. The office works with constituents – governments, workers and employers organizations to promote ratification of the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health, 2006 (No.187).