By Grace Kuria
A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) has linked long working hours led to the death of hundreds of thousands of people.
According to the report released on Monday, in 2016 745,000 deaths from stroke and ischemic heart disease were recorded, a 29 percent increase since 2000.
In a first global analysis of the loss of life and health associated with working long hours, WHO and ILO estimate that, in 2016, 398,000 people died from stroke and 347,000 from heart disease as a result of having worked at least 55 hours a week.
Between 2000 and 2016, the number of deaths from heart disease due to working long hours increased by 42 percent and from stroke by 19 percent.
This work-related disease burden is particularly significant in men, people living in the Western Pacific and South-East Asia regions, and middle-aged or older workers.
Most of the deaths recorded were among people dying aged 60-79 years, who had worked for 55 hours or more per week between the ages of 45 and 74 years.
With working long hours now known to be responsible for about one-third of the total estimated work-related burden of disease, it is established as the risk factor with the largest occupational disease burden.
The study concludes that working 55 or more hours per week is associated with an estimated 35 percent higher risk of a stroke and a 17 percent higher risk of dying from ischemic heart disease, compared to working 35-40 hours a week.
Dr. Maria Neira, Director, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, WHO said that, “working 55 hours or more per week is a serious health hazard. It’s time that we all, governments, employers, and employees wake up to the fact that long working hours can lead to premature death.”
Further, the number of people working long hours is increasing, and currently stands at nine percent of the total population globally. This trend puts even more people at risk of work-related disability and early death.
