Workers' health: draft global plan of action was submitted to the 120th Session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Board taking place from 22 to 30 January 2007.

The plan of action follows up WHO's Global strategy on occupational health for all endorsed by resolution WHA49.12 of the World Health Assembly.

The proposed plan provides a framework for concerted actions to improve the health of workers, in particular with regard to policy instruments, protection and promotion of health at work, and access to occupational services. Actions are designed for implementation at national level, and through intercountry and interregional cooperation. Its implementation is to be supported by the network of WHO Collaborating Centres for Occupational Health in partnerships with ILO where relevant.

The draft plan is accompanied by a resolution urging members to: devise national policies and plans for implementation of the global plan of action on workers' health; work towards full coverage of all workers; take measures to establish and strengthen capacities and resources; ensure collaboration and concerted action by all national health programmes; and encourage incorporation of workers' health in national policies for sustainable development and poverty reduction among others. It also requests the WHO Director-General to promote the implementation of the global plan at national and international levels.

After its examination by the Executive Board, a global plan of action on workers' health is expected to be submitted for adoption to the Sixtieth World Health Assembly to be held from 14 to 23 May 2007.