The International Labour Organization has declared the right to a safe and healthy environment as the fifth Fundamental Principle and Right at Work.
During its recent International Labour Conference, the ILO’s 187 member states, together with employer and worker organizations, agreed on the right to a safe and healthy work environment being included in the ILO’s framework of Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. This is a significant step which emphasizes the importance of protecting workers from work-related injuries and ill health.
This gives occupational health and safety (OH&S) parity with other fundamental rights in relation to employment, such as the right of freedom of association, collective bargaining, elimination of forced labour, abolition of child labour, and elimination of discrimination.