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OSH as a fundamental right

A safe and healthy working environment is a fundamental principle and right at work. The International Labour Organization (ILO) added this as its fifth principle in June 2022. This means occupational safety and health can no longer be considered an optional extra. We support this human rights-based approach to occupational safety and health.

Fundamental principles and rights at work

The ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, adopted in 1998 and amended in 2022, is an expression of commitment by governments, employers' and workers' organisations to uphold basic human values – values that are vital to our social and economic lives. It affirms the obligations and commitments that are inherent in membership of the ILO, namely:

  1. freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining
  2. the elimination of forced or compulsory labour
  3. the effective abolition of child labour
  4. the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation
  5. a safe and healthy working environment.
  • Policy positions
  • Who we work with

Our membership is recognised worldwide and brings many benefits. It's also an excellent way to support our vision of creating a safer and healthier world for all workers.