Declaration of the International Labour Confederation (ILC) 28 April
World Day for Safety and Health at Work
"Strengthening Occupational Safety and Health in a Digitalizing World"

Today, on the occasion of the 28 April World Day for Safety and Health at Work, we once again strongly reaffirm our demand for a healthy and safe working environment — the most fundamental right of every individual in working life.

As the International Labour Confederation (ILC), we advocate for a zero-tolerance approach to occupational accidents and diseases.

However, today’s world of work faces new and complex risks driven by rapid digitalization and technological transformation:

• Remote and flexible work models are increasing ergonomic risks, triggering mental health issues, and blurring the lines of employer-employee responsibilities.
• Work environments governed by artificial intelligence and algorithms are intensifying pressures on workers while reducing transparency in oversight mechanisms.
• Workers in the platform economy are often deprived of occupational health and safety rights, with work-related accidents and health problems systematically overlooked.
• Cyber security vulnerabilities demand urgent measures to protect workers’ personal and health data.
• Moreover, the decline in social interaction and the rise in isolation are creating new threats to occupational health and safety by exacerbating mental health problems.

In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, it has become necessary to revisit and redefine many concepts and terms we once took for granted. Among these, the redefinition of occupational safety and health stands out as an urgent and critical priority. It is no longer sufficient to address only physical risks; the risks introduced by digitalization and new forms of work must be comprehensively tackled.

At the same time, climate change is generating new areas of risk: Extreme temperatures, natural disasters, and climate-related crises are threatening the health and safety of workers. Urgent action plans must be developed at workplaces to address the climate crisis and to ensure the protection of workers.

Occupational safety and health cannot be ensured solely through legal regulations; it requires the establishment of a deep-rooted culture of prevention in workplaces. Proactive measures taken before risks emerge save lives.

It must also be remembered that occupational safety and health measures can only be truly effective with the active participation of workers and trade unions. Strong unions are the cornerstone of safe workplaces.

Thus, as the ILC, our call is clear:

• Occupational safety and health standards must be updated across all sectors to address the new risks posed by digitalization and the climate crisis.
• Remote and platform-based workers must be granted full protection, equal to traditional employees.
• Mental health support programs should be developed within workplaces.
• Digital technologies must be harnessed to enhance worker safety and should not be turned into tools of exploitation.

Let us build the future together!
In a world shaped by digitalization, technological advancements, and climate transformation, a fairer, healthier, and safer working life for all workers is possible.

Preventing occupational accidents and diseases is possible! Let us strengthen our global solidarity for a healthy and safe future!

On this occasion, we respectfully commemorate all workers who lost their lives due to occupational accidents and diseases. Our struggle will continue to honor their memories and to prevent further tragedies.