Slideshow
We need safe and healthy workplaces for young people
To celebrate World Day for Safety and Health at Work on 28 April and the World Day against Child Labour in June, the ILO is hosting the ‘Generation Safe and Healthy’ photo exhibition at its headquarters in Geneva – part of a campaign to keep young workers safe in the workplace and to end child labour.
Slideshow
The exhibition is part of a campaign that focuses on improving the safety and health of young workers and ending child labour. Globally, some 541 million young workers, which includes 37 million children in hazardous child labour, suffer up to a 40 per cent higher rate of non-fatal occupational injuries than workers aged 25 and above.
Young workers are more susceptible to harm from hazardous chemicals and other agents because they are still developing physically and mentally.
© Maxime Fossat / ILO
Children below the minimum age for admission to employment or work should be withdrawn from child labour and ensured access to quality education.
© Marcel Crozet / ILO
The construction sector accounts for an increasing number of young workers in developing and emerging regions around the world.
© Maxime Fossat / ILO
Bridge building: Hazards including the risk of falls, exposure to dust or being struck by heavy objects make it unsuitable work for all persons under the age of 18.
© Maxime Fossat / ILO
Impaired growth and musculoskeletal disorders are among the occupational safety and health risks for young workers carrying out
repetitive manual tasks.
repetitive manual tasks.
© Maxime Fossat / ILO
Public works site: Limited job training and experience regarding safety and health hazards make young workers more at risk of workplace accidents.
© Maxime Fossat / ILO
Large numbers of young people perform hazardous work in the informal sector with no training or supervision.
© Maxime Fossat / ILO
Young people are less aware of risk. Using dangerous machinery ishazardous work and should be banned for all persons under the age of 18.
© Marcel Crozet / ILO
Paper recycling plant: Dust and mould are common hazards which can adversely affect young workers.
© Maxime Fossat / ILO
Girls and young women in agricultural work are particularly at risk of violence and sexual harassment.
© Maxime Fossat / ILO
Risk of injury, including falls from height, is four times greater for new workers during the first month on the job.
© Maxime Fossat / ILO
Youth champions: Engaging young safety and health specialists can help ensure young workers are aware and informed about safe work conditions.
© Maxime Fossat / ILO
Preventing injuries and illnesses for all workers, including parents and young workers, is key to building healthy homes, ending child labour and improving the overall safety and health outlook for youth.
© Maxime Fossat / ILO
These photos are a small selection from the exhibition illustrating the working reality for young people of legal working age (15-24) in different parts of the world. It also puts a spotlight on younger children, below the minimum age for work, who should be withdrawn from all forms of child labour and ensured access to quality education.