Doha: The International Labour Organization (ILO) has been commemorating World Day for Safety and Health at Work since 2003, focusing on preventing workplace accidents and diseases through its tripartite approach. This involves collaboration between governments, workers’ organizations, and employers’ organizations, facilitated through social dialogue.
According to Qatar News Agency, the ILO marks this occasion by releasing a global report that emphasizes prevention, specifically examining psychosocial factors at three levels: the job itself, how work is managed and organized, and the broader policies, practices, and procedures that govern work. The report, issued on April 22, reveals that over 840,000 people die each year due to health conditions associated with psychosocial risks like long working hours and job insecurity. These risks are mainly linked to cardiovascular diseases and mental health disorders, including suicide.
The report further indicates that these risks contribute to the loss of nearly 45 million disability-adjusted life years annually, which signifies healthy years of life lost due to illness, disability, or premature death. Economic losses resulting from these risks are estimated to be equivalent to 1.37 percent of global GDP each year. The report, titled “The Psychosocial Working Environment: Global Developments and Pathways for Action,” underscores the growing impact of work design, organization, and management on workers’ safety and health. It warns that unaddressed psychosocial risk factors can create harmful work environments.
The report also notes that while many psychosocial risks are longstanding, significant shifts in the workplace, such as digitalization, AI, remote work, and new employment patterns, are reshaping the psychosocial work environment. These changes may either exacerbate existing risks or create new ones if not properly managed. Conversely, these challenges present opportunities to improve work organization and flexibility, highlighting the necessity for proactive measures.
Manal Azzi, Team Lead of the ILO’s Occupational Safety and Health Policy and Systems, stated that psychosocial risks are among the most significant challenges facing occupational safety and health today. She emphasized that improving the psychosocial work environment is crucial for safeguarding workers’ mental and physical health, as well as for enhancing productivity, institutional performance, and sustainable economic development. The report concludes that by proactively addressing these risks, healthier workplaces can be created, benefiting both workers and employers while promoting productivity and economic resilience.