Work-related activities killing more workers – Report

Latest estimates from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) shows that more than 6,300 people die each year as a result of work-related activities, a release has revealed.  

The release issued and copied to the GNA by Mr Kofi Amponsah-Bediako, Head of Public Relations Department of the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) said in total, over 300 million accidents occur on the job annually.
 
It noted that due to such deaths and accidents, the burden to employers and employees alike was immense, resulting in economic losses due to early retirements, absence of staff and rising insurance premiums.
 
The release has, therefore, suggested the consideration of a new International Standard that would be out very soon-the ISO 45001, which was the Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems – Requirements with guidance for use.
 
The new Standard to be developed was intended to focus attention on the magnitude of the problem and also on how promoting and creating a safety and health culture could help reduce the number of work-related deaths and injuries.
 
The new Standard when developed would be intended for use by any organisation, regardless of size or the nature of its work.
 
It could also be integrated into other health and safety programmes such as the wellness and well-being of the worker.

World Day for Safety and Health at work falls on Friday, April 28, every year.
 
The ILO campaign for the 2017 World Day for Safety and Health at Work focuses on the critical need for countries to improve their capacity to collect utilised, reliable occupational safety and health data.

Source: GNA