Health risks at work may be caused by new innovations, organizational changes or social changes. For instance, new production processes such as biotechnology, emerging forms of employment and new working conditions may cause psychosocial and work-related stresses. Thus, there is a need for a decent work policy that promotes employee rights, enhances social protection and encourages decent working opportunities. The International Labor Organization (ILO) has been in the forefront in the attainment of a safe and conducive health environment.
Night Work and Health
Night work can affect health and well being of workers negatively. Nearly 20 percent of employees on a night shift stop working before their retirement age because of serious disorders caused by stress-related conditions. Disorders such as disturbance of the circadian rhythms and deterioration of health caused by changes in food and sleeping habits are common among night shift workers. Hence to promote worker well being and to protect employee rights, ILO has developed Decent Work Agenda. The Decent Work Agenda is instrumental in promoting human welfare and improving working conditions conducive for social stability, health and well being to enhance workers competitiveness.
Work on Child Health
Since children may be psychologically and physiologically immature, they are more vulnerable to physical and sexual abuse. Underage employees working extra hours, particularly in the commercial sex industry, are likely to encounter health hazards that increase their risks to injuries and illnesses. ILC87 Convention Number 182 demands for statistical and information data on the extent and nature of the child labor. It also recommends general self-assessed health, usually available for adults but not so often for children. Therefore, ILO prohibits and calls for immediate action for the elimination of the worst forms of child labor.
Mental Health and Well Being at Work
Poor working conditions can cause psychological stress. In line with this, ILO promotes an integrated health policy in work places to improve employee's environment. It also supports mental health and well being measures in public health, occupational safety, social environment, community and work places.
Public Service Reforms on Health Sector
In 1998, World Health Organization and the International Labour Office identified key reforms that have a negative impact on the health of worker. These reforms were aimed at assisting governments, international advisers and civil society to implement reforms that protect the health of employees. In addition to creating additional employment in the insurance and health sector, these reforms institutionalized and promoted community participation. They also assisted to put in place public private relationship, which increased health coverage in government and private hospitals.
Tags: health well being, well being, working conditions, child labor, conditions cause, Decent Work, Decent Work Agenda