The Changed World of Work.

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health and Safety
• Labor Economics
• Public Health

Background:

• The informal economy encompasses a significant portion of the global workforce, particularly in the Global South, with growing numbers in the Global North.
• Workers in the informal economy are largely excluded from occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations and services.
• Despite advancements in classifying informal employment, data collection on work-related risks and health outcomes for these workers remains inadequate.

Discussion:

• This special edition highlights the specific risks and hazards faced by informal workers.
• It emphasizes innovative strategies and interventions, including mobile OHS services, legal reforms, and the development of appropriate equipment.
• Addressing the diverse nature of informal work, often conducted in public spaces, requires collaboration with new stakeholders like municipalities and worker associations.

Key Insights:

• Improved classification of informal employment has not translated into better data on OHS risks and health outcomes.
• Proactive OHS strategies must be tailored to the unique environments and needs of informal workers.
• Multi-stakeholder engagement is crucial for developing inclusive OHS frameworks.

Outlook:

• Future efforts should focus on integrating informal workers into existing OHS frameworks through accessible services and protective legislation.
• Continued research is needed to better understand and mitigate the health impacts of informal work.
• Policy development must consider the specific challenges of informal work environments, including public spaces.