A new report highlights a concerning global trend—more than half of workers have never received training on occupational safety and health (OSH). According to the World Risk Poll 2024, which surveyed nearly 142 countries, 62% of respondents reported that they have never undergone OSH training despite increasing risks in workplaces across the globe.
Lack of Training Across Regions
The survey found that regions such as Northern Africa and Southern Asia reported the highest rates of workers without OSH training, with 82% of employees in these areas stating they have never received any form of training related to workplace safety. In contrast, Eastern Europe, along with Australia and New Zealand, had the highest percentages of employees who had received OSH training.
Serious Harm in the Workplace
The report also reveals alarming statistics about workplace harm. Around 18% of respondents admitted to having experienced serious harm at work in the past two years—equating to roughly 667 million adults globally. Workers in lower-income countries, as well as those in high-risk industries like fishing, construction, and mining, were particularly vulnerable. Additionally, part-time, temporary, and self-employed workers reported higher rates of injury compared to their full-time counterparts.
The Lack of Awareness About Workplace Safety
Surprisingly, concerns about workplace harm were not top of mind for most workers unless they had personally experienced it or knew someone who had. The report highlighted that the worry about workplace injury increases significantly when workers have direct exposure to it.
Call for Action
Ruth Boumphrey, the CEO of the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, emphasized that the report should serve as a call to action, urging regions where OSH training is lacking to make “meaningful changes.” She stressed that effective OSH training could drastically reduce workplace accidents while also fostering a safety-first culture. Such a culture ensures that both employers and employees are better equipped to identify hazards, report incidents, and create healthier, more productive work environments.
The report underscores the urgent need for workplace safety initiatives worldwide to help mitigate the risks workers face daily.