Workers in various industries, especially in developing countries, face numerous threats to their health and wellbeing, including workplace injuries, harassment, inadequate sanitation, lack of medical services, poor housing conditions, and exposure to hazardous chemicals. These issues often stem from insufficient regulation, inadequate enforcement of existing laws, and outdated industry practices.
Market-based initiatives aiming to enhance worker health and wellbeing include:
Healthcare and housing: ensuring workers have access to free or affordable healthcare services and safe, adequate housing to support their living standards.
Social security and protections: offering social security benefits and targeted protections for at-risk groups, such as pregnant women, to promote their safety.
Protective equipment and training: supplying protective gear and conducting regular safety training sessions to minimise exposure to harmful substances and prevent workplace accidents.
Air quality management: implementing air quality standards and monitoring systems in industries to protect workers and surrounding communities from exposure to harmful air pollutants.
Toxic substance control: establishing safe management of toxic substances, like mercury and cyanide, particularly in the mining sector, to reduce health risks and environmental contamination.