The continuous globalization of the world economies has undeniably been a key driver for change in the world of work, with both optimistic and harmful consequences on workplace safety and health performance.

Despite efforts to improve policy and practice in occupational safety and health (OSH), the latest ILO estimates indicate that the global number of work-related fatal and non-fatal accidents and diseases does not appear to have considerably changed in the past 10 years.

The most recent ILO 2008 report, entitled Beyond death and injuries: The ILO's role in promoting safe and healthy jobs and published on the occasion of the XVIIIth World Congress on Safety and Health at Work being held in Seoul from 29 June to 2 July 2009, relays estimates of work-related fatalities, accidents and diseases in addition to the various ILO initiatives in the areas of: Promotion, awareness raising and advocacy; OSH standards and instruments; Technical Assistance; Knowledge development, management and dissemination and international Collaboration.

As well as revealing the latest ILO technical input, the report also touches upon the future of occupational safety and health, including: The new and emerging OSH concerns; the forecasting of hazards and risks, and their possible impact; in addition to the need to recognise and adapt to a changing workforce.

For easier reference, please see the Executive Summary.

Also in French, and Spanish.