Programme on Safety, Health and the Environment
The primary objectives of SafeWork are: (a) to create worldwide awareness of the dimensions and consequences of work-related accidents, injuries and diseases; (b) to promote the goal of basic protection for all workers in conformity with international labour standards; and (c) to enhance the capacity of member States and industry to design and implement effective preventive and protective policies and programmes.
The programme will pursue a two-pronged approach. It will create alliances and partnerships by launching activities which can be used by ILO constituents, non-governmental organizations and human rights groups in advocacy campaigns and in calling for vigorous action by governments. Second, it will support action at the national level through an integrated programme of direct technical assistance. This will include the development of management tools and monitoring and information services designed to prevent occupational accidents and diseases and to protect the health and welfare of workers and the environment.
The primary focus will be on hazardous occupations. It will target workers in highly hazardous occupations, categories of workers vulnerable on account of gender or age, and workers in the urban informal sector who usually lack basic health protection.