Seonad Madden

Half of the world’s population are working people, and those of us who work spend at least 1/3 of our adult life in the workplace. Work is a source of income and social contact, and it can be beneficial to mental health as a source of value, purpose and meaning. But a lack of health and safety measures at work can result in death, disability and suffering. More than 2 million people die each year because of occupational and work-related diseases. Nobody should get sick because of work. At #UNGA, countries committed to build healthier and safer workplaces, and improve access to occupational health services. To build on this, we are developing a new vision for how workplaces can protect, serve and promote health. A group of experts gathered at @WHO earlier this week and discussed workplace health programmes in countries and businesses which combine traditional occupational health and safety measures with well-being. In practice, this includes no tobacco, less alcohol, and more physical activity, as well as business continuity plans to prepare workplaces for public health crises. In 2024, we will work with our colleagues at @ilo to develop a global framework for action on health in the workplace. We will work with countries to spur the development of healthier, safer, and more resilient workplaces in all sectors, enterprises, and farms, and in public, private, and informal settings.