IOSH
The human cost in global supply chains
Understanding the risks behind everyday products and how organisations can act
Everyday products rely on complex global supply chains that are often hidden from view. Across these networks, millions of workers face unsafe conditions and preventable harm. Improving visibility is key to identifying risks and creating safer, more sustainable working environments.
What if the label told the whole story?
Everyday products can conceal a human cost. Across global supply chains, modern slavery, unsafe conditions and unregulated labour practices continue to affect millions of workers.
Our latest white paper explores the realities of modern slavery, and what businesses can do to address it.
Safer supply chains start with visibility.
The hidden cost behind the label
Our campaign asks a simple question: who paid for that? Not the price on the label. The human price.
Consider:
- The farmer exposed to pesticides.
- The fitter breathing in silica dust.
- The worker pushed to unsafe limits.
- The driver rushing to meet impossible targets.
These aren’t rare cases. They’re part of everyday working life across global supply chains.
Why this matters
Every product we buy has a human story behind it. Every service we use involves real people, doing real work, in real conditions.
Some of those conditions are dangerous. Some are deadly.
We don’t often see that. But it’s happening every day – in fields, factories, kitchens, warehouses and on roads across the world.
IOSH exists because work should never cost someone their life, their health or their dignity. This campaign is a call to stop and think about the human cost of doing business – and what we can all do about it.
The reality behind everyday products
An estimated 7,500 people still die every day due to unsafe and unhealthy working conditions.
Behind the products we use every day is a complex global network of suppliers, manufacturers and workers. Too often, the conditions those workers face are overlooked – from unsafe environments and long hours to unregulated work and exploitation.
Understanding the full picture is essential if businesses are to identify risks, take action and protect people across their supply chains.
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Knowing the whole story
Global supply chains are increasingly complex, with materials and products crossing multiple borders and involving thousands of organisations.
But many businesses only have visibility of their top-tier suppliers – leaving significant risks hidden further down the chain.
Without full visibility:
- Worker harm goes unnoticed
- Risks remain unmanaged
- Opportunities to improve conditions are missed
Greater transparency across supply chains is key to building safer, more sustainable working environments.
What this campaign does
This campaign makes the invisible visible.
By reimagining everyday product labels, it reveals the human realities behind production – the risks, the pressures and the harm that often go unseen.
It connects people to the impact of work in a simple but powerful way. Because when people feel connected, they act.
The human, ethical and business cost
Failing to manage health and safety across supply chains has real consequences:
- Human: Workers face injury, illness and loss of life
- Ethical: Poor conditions and exploitation persist
- Reputational: Businesses risk trust, credibility and long-term value
But getting it right delivers clear return on investment – morally, ethically and commercially.
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The scale of the issue
Nearly 3 million people die every year from work-related causes. Hundreds of millions more are injured or made ill.
These are not abstract numbers. They represent real people, real workplaces and real consequences that affect families and communities around the world.
Workplace harm is not inevitable. It is the result of decisions – and those decisions can be changed.
Rethinking what we see
Product labels are designed to inform and reassure – highlighting ingredients, benefits and quality.
But what they don’t show is the hidden human cost behind production.
This campaign reimagines familiar labels to reveal those hidden realities – from unsafe factories to forced labour and harmful working conditions.
What if every label showed the full picture?
Driving safer supply chains
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Reducing harm and protecting workers requires a whole-chain approach.
Organisations must:
- Look beyond tier 1 and 2 suppliers
- Identify and assess risks across the full value chain
- Embed health and safety into procurement decisions
- Ensure transparency, accountability and reporting
OSH professionals also play a vital role – helping to implement standards, influence decisions and drive change across organisations.
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Leading the conversation
Hear from IOSH leadership and experts on the importance of understanding the full supply chain story – and what organisations can do to make a difference.
“IOSH continues to call for improved due diligence and supply chain transparency; effective enforcement; and action across supply chains to improve workers’ health and safety.”
Richard Jones
- Job role
- Former Head of Policy and Regulatory Engagement
- Company
- IOSH
What needs to change
Greater visibility is the first step. But it must lead to action.
Organisations need to understand where risks exist in their operations and supply chains, and take responsibility for addressing them.
Good occupational safety and health practice not only protects people – it strengthens organisations, builds resilience and drives better business outcomes.
IOSH provides the frameworks, knowledge and tools to help organisations manage their human impact responsibly and sustainably.
Take action today
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Creating safer supply chains requires collaboration across businesses, governments and professionals.
Start by:
- Strengthening due diligence processes
- Engaging suppliers at every level
- Integrating health, safety and wellbeing into procurement
- Taking action on modern slavery and informal work risks
If we want safer, fairer working conditions, we need to understand the full picture.
Download our white paper to explore the hidden human cost behind global supply chains and learn how your organisation can take practical steps to drive meaningful change.
Because the more we see, the more we can do.
Read the whole story
Throughout the global supply chain, millions of workers face unsafe conditions, modern slavery and hidden harm.
Understanding where risks exist is the first step towards meaningful change.
Download our white paper on modern slavery to:
- Explore the scale of the issue
- Understand key risks and challenges
- Learn practical actions for safer supply chains
