89 Promoting SDG 8: decent work and the 5th fundamental right – A safe workplace

Abstract The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent an ambitious global agenda, aiming to address multifaceted challenges by 2030. SDG 8 places a crucial emphasis on promoting Decent Work and Economic Growth. At its core lies the recognition of the 5th fundamental right of workers: a safe and healthy working environment. This presentation highlights the profound significance of acknowledging workplace safety and health as a fundamental right within the framework of SDG 8. It underscores that this right is not just an ethical imperative but an essential catalyst for achieving broader sustainable development goals. Firstly, a safe and healthy working environment is intrinsic to the well-being of workers, aligning closely with the principles of SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). By reducing occupational hazards and illnesses, it directly contributes to improved physical and mental health, enhancing workers’ productivity and quality of life. Secondly, a safe and healthy working environment is a linchpin for economic growth, closely aligned with the objectives of SDG 8. Decent working environments reduces absenteeism, cost of health care, enhance well-being, job satisfaction, safety-culture, and support overall health of workers which will create a more robust labour force, promoting economic stability. In conclusion, recognizing the 5th fundamental right, a safe workplace, is crucial for advancing the SDGs. It catalyses progress across multiple dimensions, from improving individual well-being and economic growth to promoting responsible consumption and production. Collaboration among policymakers, businesses, and civil society is essential to uphold this right for a more equitable, sustainable future.