Brussels, 28 April 2007 (ITUC OnLine): The International Commemoration Day for Dead and Injured Workers, in memory of workers who die or are injured at work as a result of unsatisfactory production methods or working conditions, is taking place for the 12th consecutive year today. Some 12,000 activities in 118 countries have been organised. Activities on HIV/AIDS and the causes of occupational and environment-related cancers will also be held during this World Day.
According to figures issued by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), almost 2.2 million people die in accidents or due to illnesses related to their work each year. Over 270 million workers are injured at work and almost 160 million suffer from illness caused by their jobs. The estimated cost of these alarming figures is 4% of the world's gross domestic product, or 20 times total development aid.
The 28 April commemoration is highlighting key issues around occupational health and safety: the importance of recognition and strengthening of union rights in order to overcome barriers to health and safety in work places across the world; cancer linked to workplaces and to the environment; promotion and ratification of international health and safety instruments; and the call upon the G8 governments for intensified action to fight the HIV-AIDS pandemic.
Another key theme of the World Day is condemnation of the use of asbestos in all forms. "Workers are still being exposed to asbestos today and100,000 people die each year due to contact with this substance," said ITUC General Secretary Guy Ryder. "A total ban on the sale and use of asbestos must be introduced as a matter of urgency."
The AIDS virus affects almost 40 million people, more than half of whom are aged between 15 and 49. The international trade union movement is reiterating its demand to the G8 summit, due to be held in June in Germany, that the promised development aid and contributions to the Global Fund to fight this pandemic be released as soon as possible.
"If trade union rights are respected everywhere, the number of deaths and injuries related to work will certainly fall significantly," concluded Guy Ryder.
On the eve of the World day for Safety and Health at Work, the ITUC has released a video report on the working conditions of teamsters in Peru. The video is available for viewing by clicking here.
