[EQ] Healthy workplaces: a model for action

Healthy workplaces: a model for action

For employers, workers, policy-makers and practitioners

World Health Organization 2010

Available online PDF [32p.] at:  http://bit.ly/cAKrLz

“…..Workers’ health, safety and well-being are vital concerns to hundreds of millions of working people worldwide. But the issue extends even further beyond individuals and their families. It is of paramount importance to the productivity, competitiveness and sustainability of enterprises, communities, and to national and regional economies.

Currently, an estimated two million people die each year as a result of occupational accidents and work-related illnesses or injuries (1). Another 268 million non-fatal workplace accidents result in an average of three lost workdays per casualty, as well as 160 million new cases of work-related illness each year (2). Additionally, 8% of the global burden of disease from depression is currently attributed to occupational risks (3).

 

These data, collected by the International Labour Organization and the World Health Organization, only reflect the injuries and illnesses that occur in formally registered workplaces. In many countries, most workers are employed informally in factories and businesses where there are no records of work-related injuries or illnesses, let alone any programmes to prevent injuries or illnesses. Addressing this huge burden of disease, economic costs and long-term loss of human resources from unhealthy workplaces is a formidable challenge for national governments, economic sectors, and health policy-makers and practitioners….”

“…The Global Plan of Action sets out five objectives:

1) To devise and implement policy instruments on workers’ health;

2) To protect and promote health at the workplace;

3) To promote the performance of, and access to, occupational health services;

4) To provide and communicate evidence for action and practice;

5) To incorporate workers’ health into other policies….”

 

Contents

Introduction

I. Why develop a healthy workplace initiative?

II. Definition of a healthy workplace

III: Healthy workplace processes and avenues of influence

IV. The content: avenues of influence for a healthy workplace

V. The process: initiating and sustaining a programme

VI. Underlying principles: keys to success

VII. Adapting to local contexts and needs

References

IMPORTANT: This transmission is for use by the intended
recipient and it may contain privileged, proprietary or
confidential information. If you are not the intended
recipient or a person responsible for delivering this
transmission to the intended recipient, you may not
disclose, copy or distribute this transmission or take
any action in reliance on it. If you received this
transmission in error, please notify us immediately by
email to infosec@paho.org, and please dispose of and
delete this transmission. Thank you.