ILO Report Highlights Deadly Consequences of Overworking Worldwide

November 30, 2023

A recent report from the International Labor Organization (ILO) has revealed the alarming and fatal consequences of overworking, leading to the death of nearly three million people annually worldwide. The study underscores the evolving role of employment as a major cause of death, particularly among men.

Deadly Threshold: 800,000 Lives Lost Due to Excessive Hours

The ILO report points out that more than 800,000 people succumb to death each year due to working beyond 55 hours per week. Out of the 2.96 million total deaths attributed to excessive work, 2.6 million are linked to diseases derived directly from employment, while the remaining 330,000 result from work-related accidents.

Common Risks at Work: Long Hours at the Top

The study identifies the most prevalent risks at work, with long working hours exceeding 55 hours per week claiming the highest toll at 744,942 deaths. Other significant risks include exposure to gases and smoke (450,000 deaths), work-related injuries (363,283), exposure to asbestos (209,481), silica (42,258), and substances causing asthma (29,641).

Occupational Risks and Impact on Life Years

The report correlates occupational risks to disability-adjusted life years (DALYS), indicating that work-related injuries pose the greatest threat to workers’ life years (26.44 million). Exposure to over 55 work hours follows closely at 23.26 million, along with ergonomic factors (12.27 million) and exposure to smoke and gases (10.86 million).

Disease Patterns and Global Impact

The ILO highlights disease patterns associated with work-related deaths, revealing that circulatory problems account for 32.4 percent, cancer for 27.5 percent, respiratory diseases for 14.3 percent, and injuries for 11.3 percent. Visual impairment due to occupational factors affects over 13 million people globally, emphasizing the broader health impact of overworking.

Case in Point: Tragic Death in China

As the report brings attention to the global issue of overworking, a recent incident in China serves as a tragic reminder. Li Hao, an undergraduate intern, passed away suddenly after participating in multiple live-streaming gaming sessions compressed into a month. His death highlights the urgent need to address overworking practices that persist globally, impacting the well-being and lives of individuals in various professions.

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