Global OSH figures

The International Labour Organization (ILO) Safework Introductory Report in 2008 showed that close to 50% of work-related deaths occur in Asia. In developing countries, fatality rates are five to six time higher than in industrialized nations and in developing countries where, every year, around 170,000 agricultural workers and 320,000 people die from exposures to biological risks such as viral, bacterial, insect or animal related risks.

The latest ILO figures reveal that,

“Every 15 seconds, 160 workers have a work-related accident. Every 15 seconds, a worker dies from a work-related accident or disease.

Everyday, 6,300 people die as a result of occupational accidents or work-related diseases – more than 2.3 million deaths per year. Over 337 million accidents occur on the job annually; many of these resulting in extended absences from work. The human cost of this daily adversity is vast and the economic burden of poor occupational safety and health practices is estimated at 4% of global Gross Domestic product each year.

The safety and health conditions at work are very different between countries, economic sectors and social groups. Deaths and injuries take a heavy toll in developing countries, where a large part of the population is engaged in hazardous activities such as agriculture, fishing and mining. Throughout the world, the poorest and least protected – often women, children and migrants – are among the most affected.” (Safety and Health at Work, International Labour Organization, accessed September 6, 2011 http://www.ilo.org/global/topics/safety-and-health-at-work/lang–en/index.htm)

To see figures in other countries, you may refer to these websites

United States of America
http://www.bls.gov/iif#tables
http://www.bls.gov/data/home.htm

Japan
http://www.jniosh.go.jp/icpro/jicosh-old/english/statistics/index.html

Philippines
http://www.oshc.dole.gov.ph
http://www.bles.dole.gov.ph

International Labour Organization
http://laborsta.ilo.org
http://www.ilo.org/public/english/bureau/stat/index.htm