World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2023

Fundamental human rights are those rights that are essential to all persons by virtue of being human i.e. a human being. These rights are recognised worldwide, are undisputable and are interdependent. They are recognized and protected by international law and are essential for the full realization of human dignity. The rights include the right to life, security of person, freedom from discrimination, freedom of expression and association, and now, the right to work in safe and healthy conditions, among others. It then follows that human rights violations may theoretically be used as a means for international consequences such as sanctions or war.

In June 2022, the International Labour Organization (ILO) declared safe and healthy working conditions as fundamental to decent work. This declaration emphasizes the importance of creating safe and healthy working environments that respect and protect workers' rights. The theme for World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2023, "A safe and healthy working environment is a fundamental principle and right at work," emphasises the significance of this declaration.

The declaration is particularly significant for workers in Kenya, where safety and health in the workplace remains a major concern. We have heard of cases of workers in construction sites, manufacturing, agriculture and other industries getting killed or maimed while on duty. The few cases highlighted on mainstream media are just but a tip of the iceberg. Workplace accidents, injuries, and deaths are too common, and most workers, especially the majority in the informal sector, lack access to appropriate medical care and compensation.

The ILO declaration, therefore, provides a framework for ensuring that workers' rights to safe and healthy working conditions are respected and protected. It calls on governments, employers, and workers' organisations to take action to prevent work-related accidents, injuries, and illnesses. It also emphasizes the need for collaboration among all stakeholders to promote a culture of prevention, raise awareness about workplace hazards, and develop policies and programs that support safe and healthy working environments.

The declaration aligns with Kenya's commitment to promoting decent work and sustainable development. In 2007, Kenya adopted the National Employment Policy, which recognizes the need to promote decent work and social protection for all workers. The policy emphasizes the importance of creating safe and healthy working environments and calls for the development of appropriate legislation, policies, and programs to protect workers' rights. ?Furthermore, the Occupational Safety & Health Act was enacted in the same year to protect workers from hazards that result in deaths, diseases and injuries. However, enforcement is still very low with an estimated compliance rate of less than 5%. The ILO declaration, therefore, provides a useful framework for implementing this policy and ensuring that workers' rights to safe and healthy working conditions are respected and protected.

However, realizing the goals of the ILO declaration will require concerted efforts from all stakeholders. Governments must support the development, implementation and enforcement of appropriate legislation and regulations that promote safe and healthy working conditions. Employers must prioritize the safety and health of their workers and invest in appropriate equipment, training, and protective measures. Workers' trade unions must advocate for their members' rights and also support the employers efforts to improve working conditions. Finally, all stakeholders must work together to raise awareness about the importance of safe and healthy working environments and promote a culture of prevention.

In conclusion, the ILO declaration will eventually make decent working conditions just as important as political rights, for example, and appropriate resources can then be allocated by all stakeholders to protecting this right. This year’s event will be celebrated in Kisumu City at Tom Mboya Labour College grounds where a number of activities have been lined up in marking the occasion including the OSH Awards for workplaces. All are welcome.

References

Ellis, J. (2023, April 9). What are the Consequences of a Human Rights Violation? Retrieved from My Law Questions: https://www.mylawquestions.com/what-are-the-consequences-of-a-human-rights-violation.htm

Geneva, I. (2023). World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2023. Retrieved from ILO: https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/safety-and-health-at-work/events-training/events-meetings/safeday2023/lang--en/index.htm

International Labour Organization. (2013). National Profile on Occupational Safety & Health, Kenya. Geneva: ILO, .

United Nations. (2022). Human Rights. Retrieved from United Nations: https://www.un.org/en/global-issues/human-rights#:~:text=Human%20rights%20include%20the%20right,to%20these%20rights%2C%20without%20discrimination.