Occupational Safety and Health of migrant workers Ana Catalina Ramirez Technical Specialist ILO 1

Migrant worker: “The term "migrant worker" refers to a person who is to be engaged, is engaged or has been engaged in a remunerated activity in a State of which he or she is not a national”. *International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. Adopted by General Assembly resolution 45/158 of 18 December 1990

Occupational Safety and Health: Occupational safety and deals with the prevention of work-related injuries and diseases as well as the protection and promotion of the health of workers. It considers working conditions and working environment to identify work related risks and to establish management risk and control measures.

Labour migration in the region

Migrant working population and labour markets Costa Rica. Low-skilled sector as agricultures, commerce, construction, domestic work and manufacturing Panama. Commerce, domestic work, hotels and toursim, construction, manufacturing, professional and scientific activities and management and administration.

Dominican Republic. Agriculture, constructions, commerce and services. Canada y United States. Agriculture and services (Canada); multiple poductive sectors, services and manufacturing industry (USA).

Characteristics of the Migrant Working Population Concentrated in urban areas Different education level: highest levels in Panama and lowest levels is DR Reproductive age: 20-40 years old.

OSH risk assessment among migrant working population should not treat this particular group as an homogenous group, but consider the variability of individual characteristics (age, gender, cultural norms and languages, economic sector of employment and working conditions.

Work-related risk among working migrant population Migrant workers employed in more at risk and insecured jobs Higher accident rates than national working population Escasa cobertura de la seguridad social y aseguramiento de riesgos de trabajo Under-reporting of occupational Accident and Diseases Poor data and information about OSH and migrant working population (I ECCTS)

Employment conditions Low understanding and knowledge of employment rights Participation in economic activities with low levels of SS and coverage (5% in Haiti; 62% en Panama) High level of participation in the informal economy

Working conditions and working environment Peligros asociados a la movilidad-trayecto hacia el país de destino Over crowding and poor housing conditions Long working hours Low salaries and incomes Exposure to chemical hazards, stressing working conditions, monotunous movements and dangerous equipment Lack of maternity protection measure

Psychosocial working risks Violence during the journey from the country of origin to the country of destination Higer level of discrimination than other populations Sexual harassment Acoso sexual y laboral Lack of social support

Some aspects to be considered for further interventions Need of information and cuantitative data Better and stronger coordination between differents inspections and instutions (MoL, MoH, Migrant services) Prevention programmes targeting economic high risk sector Inclusion of OSH as part of migrant’s health strategy

Thank you