Placing the Right to Occupational Health and Safety within a Human Rights Framework: Trends and Challenges for South Africa

Abstract

This article examines the notion of occupational health and safety as a human right in South Africa. It attempts to explain why and how human rights matter from the perspective of occupational health and safety, as well as the role of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in setting international standards in the area of occupational health and safety. It also focuses on the current trends and challenges facing the system of occupational health and safety in South Africa. Furthermore, some of the relevant international law instruments for occupational health and safety within the South African context will be revisited. In its conclusion, the article draws some important lessons from the ILO and other jurisdictions on the best practices in the area of occupational health and safety.