Health, Safety and Environment - International Labour Organization

Manual 4:HEALTH, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENT FACT SHEETSFact Sheet 1:Accidents, incidents and ill health BackgroundAll occupational accidents, incidents and cases of ill health have causes,they do not just happen. The causes are many, but if hazards are notidentified and the risks are not removed or controlled, then injuries and illhealth will happen. Employers often blame workers for occupationalaccidents, incidents and cases of ill health that occur at the workplace.But occupational accidents, incidents and cases of ill health are moreoften caused by a failure of the employer/management to take the actionnecessary to protect workers’ health and safety.It is important for worker HS&E representatives to investigate accidents, sothat the actual cause can be established, and the appropriate correctiveaction taken. The human misery caused by work-related illnesses andinjuries is reason enough to want to prevent them. But the financial costsfor employers, workers and Governments are also well documented. InformationNationallegislationAgreementsThere is a wide diversity of approaches in national legislation. Check thesummaries provided by your union educator of the applicable laws in yourcountry.Your union may have made collective bargaining agreements with youremployer regarding accidents and ill health. Check if there are anyapplicable agreements.ILO Convention No. 184 on Safety and Health in Agriculture: Article 21Workers in agriculture should be covered by an insurance or social securityscheme against fatal and non-fatal occupational injuries and diseases, aswell as against invalidity and other work-related health risks. This shouldprovide coverage at least equivalent to that enjoyed by workers in othersectors.ILO Recommendation No. 192 on Safety and Health in Agriculture: Paragraph 5At the level of the undertaking, there should be procedures for therecording and notification of accidents and diseases.125 Health, Safety and EnvironmentA Series of Trade Union EducationManuals for Agricultural Workers