1.2 Some Facts to Keep in Mind

The numbers below come from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and similar bodies. They change from year to year, so check the latest figures before you quote them to others.

• The ILO estimates that nearly three million people die every year from work-related accidents and diseases, and the figure is mostly made up of diseases. Its key message is that prevention is the way to deal with the growing number of work-related diseases.
• Construction is one of the most dangerous sectors, with tens of thousands of fatal accidents a year around the world.
• Work-related cancer causes several hundred thousand deaths a year. Asbestos alone has claimed millions of lives, and diesel exhaust is linked to thousands of cancer deaths in Europe each year.
• A large share of workers worldwide have no insurance that would compensate them for an injury or disease caused by work.
• Organisations that run worker safety programmes can reduce the cost of injury and ill health, and workplace health initiatives can cut sick leave. Good management could prevent most workplace accidents.

A study aid, not published or endorsed by IOSH or OSHA. Laws and limits differ between countries.