that sex workers can be allies in assisting such victims.46
Workers in hazardous industries Mining is one of the most hazardous occupations in many countries. Although it accounts for only 1 percent of the global workforce (30 million workers), it is responsible for 8 percent of fatal accidents at work and for many injuries and disabling diseases such as pneumoconiosis (black lung disease).47 Official statistics probably underestimate the number of cases, and many miners work in informal mines, where accident rates are often far higher. Construction is another hazardous industry. In developing countries construction workers face multiple health risks, such as exposure to dust, and are three to six times more likely than other workers to die from accidents at work. This is due in part to a lack of safety measures or lax enforcement. In many developing countries construction workers wear no protection. Similarly, in many instances the booming construction sector relies heavily on rural migrant workers who earn low wages, an intense pace of work and long and irregular hours.48 Many dangers are also evident in factories, and risks seem to have intensified in recent years due to increased global movements and aggravated by the global financial crisis. Faced with intense competitive pressures, firms are cutting costs in a race to the bottom. The most unscrupulous bypass safety standards to keep costs low, which increases the danger to factory
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workers—consider, for example, the 2013 Rana Plaza tragedy in Bangladesh. The government has since made progress in supervising the readymade garment and knitwear industry to guarantee labour rights and reinforce safety measures, but much remains to be done. Older workers also face greater risk. They need more recovery time between shifts, especially when performing physically or psychologically demanding jobs. For example, in Europe most fatal work-related accidents happen in the 55–65 age group.49
Conclusions Work is critical to human existence and human development. Work has contributed considerably to impressive human development achievements over the years, but a large amount of human potential remains unused—because people are out of work, engaged in vulnerable work or working but still in poverty. Many younger people are out of work, and women face lower wages and opportunities for paid work while bearing a disproportionate burden of unpaid care work. The world is deprived of their contributions, creativity and innovation. Creating opportunities to put the work potentials of all people to use could further accelerate human progress, help overcome the remaining human development deficits and address emerging human development challenges. These issues are addressed in the following chapter.