Tom Hodgkinson reports on disturbing findings on the psychosocial risks associated with work

According to a new report released by the International Labour Organization, more than 840,000 people die each year from health conditions at work arising from what they call “work-related psychosocial risks”.

The psychosocial risks are mainly associated with cardiovascular diseases and mental disorders, including suicide.

The ILO concludes that psychosocial risk factors – including long working hours, job insecurity, high demands with low control, and workplace bullying and harassment – can create harmful working environments if not properly addressed.

The report says that new, tech-related working practices may be partly to blame: “digitalization, artificial intelligence, remote work, and new employment arrangements… are reshaping the psychosocial working environment. These changes may intensify existing risks or create new ones if not properly addressed.”

“Psychosocial risks are becoming one of the most significant challenges for occupational safety and health in the modern world of work,” says the ILO’s Manal Azzi.

“Improving the psychosocial working environment is essential not only for protecting workers’ mental and physical health, but also for strengthening productivity, organizational performance and sustainable economic development.”

More proof, if it were needed, that idling saves lives.

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