Improvement of working conditions and environment in the informal sector through safety and health measures

Inadequate safety and health standards and environmental hazards are particularly evident in the case of the informal sector. Informal sector’s workers do not have the necessary awareness, technical means and resources to implement health and safety measures. The protection of the health and welfare of workers in the informal sector is a challenge which should be faced with an integrated approach to health promotion, social protection and employment creation. Innovative means to prevent occupational accidents and diseases and environmental hazards need to be developed through cost-effective and sustainable measures at the work-site level to allow for capacity-building within the informal sector itself.