As World Day for Safety and Health at Work approaches on 28 April, International SOS has urged organisations to strengthen their focus on protecting workers’ physical and mental wellbeing.
The call comes in response to new global data indicating that approximately 2.93 million workers die each year from work-related causes, with 89% of these deaths due to occupational diseases and the remaining 11% from workplace accidents.
Circulatory, neoplastic and respiratory conditions are cited as the leading causes of occupational mortality, with long working hours and pollutant exposure identified as key contributing factors. Data from International SOS show a 10% rise in assistance requests linked to respiratory diseases in 2024 compared with the previous year.
Despite these risks, a significant portion of the global workforce has never received Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) training. According to figures released by the International SOS Foundation, 62% of workers lack formal OSH education. However, progress is being made in mental health support, with over 70% of organisations now including mental wellbeing in their safety policies.
Dr Olivier LO, Group Medical Director of Occupational Health Services at International SOS, said that both physical and mental harm in the workplace often result from inadequate organisational governance and resource allocation. He emphasised that ensuring worker safety is a core duty of care that cannot be overlooked.
AI and Digitisation Require Renewed Safety Focus
Dr LO also highlighted how the increasing use of AI and digital technologies at work introduces new health and safety challenges. “The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence and digitisation into workplaces necessitates a renewed focus on safety,” he said. “These technologies reshape jobs and introduce new potential hazards.”
According to Dr LO, fostering a culture of proactive safety begins with strong internal policies and extends to comprehensive education and training. These measures are not optional but essential for promoting vigilance and preventing human error.
“Where health and safety are ingrained within the organisational culture, both workers and management are better positioned to actively identify and address potential hazards, thereby safeguarding the workforce and ensuring sustainable business practices,” he said.
While the majority of safety guidance from International SOS centres on traditional risk management, such as hazard identification and crisis preparedness, increasing attention is being given to managing psychosocial risks. These include stress, burnout and other mental health concerns linked to excessive workloads and long hours.
In a time of rapid workplace transformation, International SOS reiterates that an integrated, evidence-based approach to safety and health is critical. From training initiatives to mental health support and operational planning, these strategies will play a central role in shaping the future of work.
