Decent work involves many issues of employment, social protection and social dialogue in addition to core labour standard matters. In this respect, occupational safety and health is at the heart of decent work.

The ILO aims to reduce the number of work-related injuries, as well as to make work decent by promoting workers’ right to a safe and healthy environment. The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) took the initiative to make October 7 the World Day for Decent Work (WDDW). In the spirit of the need for every person to have a job that allows them to live decently and in dignity, trade unions around the world use the opportunity provided by this day to publicize the promotion of workers’ rights, which include the right to a safe and healthy workplace.

The Director-General of the International Labour Office (ILO), Mr Juan Somavia, congratulated the ITUC on the initiative to have a World Day for Decent Work. He stressed that “... Hard won rights at work must be at the heart of the 21st century struggles for social justice and a fair globalization.”

Workers must be able to go to work and come home as healthy as they were when they left for work. Abundant job opportunities and good wages alone do not constitute decent work; respecting human health needs is an essential component to its sustainability.

ILO background information on this initiative and related events: