A safe and healthy working environment as a fundamental principle and right at work

What this means in practice

The International Labour Organization (ILO) adopted a safe and healthy work environment as one of one of its five fundamental principles and rights at work in June 2022.

This principle promotes a human-centred approach to the future of work and reflects a dynamic vision for a rapidly changing world.

In short, it means that occupational safety and health (OSH) can no longer be viewed as an optional extra.

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has long advocated for safety and health to be recognised as a fundamental right in the workplace, describing its inclusion as the “biggest moment for workers’ rights around the world this century”.

IOSH believes this landmark move will go a long way to reducing work-related injuries, illnesses and deaths around the world.

A safe and healthy working environment joins four existing areas on ILO's Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at work. These are:

freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining
the elimination of forced or compulsory labour
the effective abolition of child labour
the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.

IOSH has news articles, information and resources to help you understand the background and impact, along with what it means for governments, businesses and workers.