Occupational Health and Human Rights
We’re pleased to introduce our new Topics page on Occupational Health. Occupational health is a critical human rights issue, as nearly four billion workers globally—including two billion in the informal economy—often lack basic protections. Despite international law recognizing the right to a safe workplace, over 60% of workers face unsafe conditions, with often devastating consequences.
This article explores issues such as toxic exposure, wage theft, heat stress, and occupational illnesses (e.g., tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS). It also lists the key international laws and conventions that should protect workers’ rights to safety, health, and dignity. Finally, it highlights what health professionals can do to promote well-being, prevent workplace hazards, and foster a culture of safety for themselves and for other workers.
This page was written by our volunteer Tara Ornstein. If you would also like to write an evidence-based article about a health and human rights topic, please visit this page to learn more!