International Safety and Health Conference 2009

Summary

The Economic Crisis and Safety and Health at Work

This conference has marked the continuation of further enlightened efforts in the area of safety and health. It has been an opportunity to hear from representatives from around the world, stressing our involvement today in driving the safety and health agendas forward in light of the financial crisis and other changes. Health promotion is a leading matter in times of restructuring and the effect of the latter on the health of workers. It was agreed that in the context of globalization, the quality of working life has changed. The composition of workforce, work time, introduction of flexible work hours, and new technologies have led to new emerging risks and new demands to adapt to these changes. In response, the implementation of ILO OSH conventions and recommendations has been considered an enterprise level comparative advantage. A highlight of this conference has been the expressed need for an improved and integrated role of Labour inspection, stressing on their advisory and monitoring role. In addition, social security is essential in protecting workers and promoting a highly productive workforce even in times of crisis. Workers and representative Trade unions were confirmed as leading bodies in affecting change for a long-term investment in safety and health. We have tried throughout these two days to bridge the gap between the provisions of the Seoul declaration and reality. Be it through the argument that investing in the health of workers will help avoid more costs in the long run, and be it through the spread of a prevention culture or by speaking the economic language and encouraging champion industries to set the example for others. We should be able to put people first, as the key to effective workplace management systems. There is a need to integrate mental health into our existing management systems, encouraging healthy lifestyles for our employees. Finally, and as safety is a blessing, I leave you to help in your own small or big way, spread the blessing of safety and health.

Dr. Sameera Al-Tuwaijri
Director ILO SafeWork, Geneva, Switzerland