“The 13th International Congress on Occupational Health Services”
Tochigi, December 1, 2005

Opening Address by MP. Mayumi Moriyama
President, Japanese Parliamentarians’ League on ILO Activities

Dr. Kaj Husman, Chair of the ICOH Scientific Committee on OHS,
Dr. Takashi Muto, Chair of the 13th International Congress on OHS,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen.

On behalf of the Japanese Parliamentarian League on ILO activities and on my personal behalf, it is a great honour for me to welcome you all to Tochigi and to speak at the opening of this important meeting - the 13th International Congress on Occupational Health Services.

At the outset, allow me to congratulate Dr. Muto for successful organisation of this Congress. It is indeed the first time for the Congress to be hosted in Asia, and I am pleased to see so many participants from the region with us today. I also have personal attachments to the venue, as Tochigi turns out to be an electoral base which I represent. It is therefore a nice “home coming” opportunity for me.

The issue of occupational health has historically been an area of vital importance to the “world of work.” Today, the subject carries further potential and weight in the increasingly globalised world. As one of the key goals of the Millennium Development Goals (or MDGs), the concept of “health for all” continues to receive particular attention by the international community.

As you would agree, the rapid spread of communicable diseases is one of the global threats of our interconnected world. This obviously includes the avian influenza. The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare moved quickly in its effort to prevent and combat its spread. An action plan has been launched and a guideline is being developed.

Ladies and Gentlemen. Some 2.2 million people die of work-related accidents and diseases each year. In fact, this number could well be under-estimated. The ILO report warns that work-related communicable diseases and cancers caused by hazardous substances are taking a huge toll. The majority of the global workforce lacks legal or preventive safety and health measures. They also lack accident or illness compensation and have no access to occupational health services.

Asbestos and other harmful substances has been pointed out as being responsible for 20 percent of the overall work-related accidents and diseases mentioned above. Japan is no stranger to the issue. An increasing number of victims has emerged and it is now a focus of public attention. My deepest sympathy goes to all victims who could never again recover the healthy life that they have lost. Japan has ratified the ILO Convention concerning Safety in the Use of Asbestos (Convention 162) this year. Asbestos has taught us the serious threat to our health, and addressing the issue cannot be delayed. It has reminded us that the right to a safe and healthy working environment is indeed a fundamental human right.

In retrospect, Tochigi prefecture has a long history and legacy in dealing with occupational health. A hospital for workers had long strived to provide treatment to those who suffered from working in the well-known Ashio copper mine. Today, this hospital has been acquired by Dokkyo University with the vision of extending its services to the general public.

Effective and timely intervention is crucial for containing wide spread of any communicable and work-related disease. The role of occupational health services no doubt becomes one of the key elements in this regard. Naturally, this includes not only the provision of services itself but also the institutions that deal with such services.

The theme of the Congress reflects the ever-growing needs to meet the major challenges in occupational health. The Congress will certainly serve as a platform for exchanging good practices from around the world. It is my sincere hope that the wealth of knowledge and expertise found in this Congress collectively serve as a cornerstone for developing new and enhanced strategies to tackle the challenges of a globalised world of work in which we live.

Let me end by thanking the ILO for its sponsorship to this Congress. The ILO, through its Decent Work Agenda, contributes towards ensuring every worker the right to earn a living in freedom, dignity and security. The ILO believes that there can be no decent work in dangerous working condition and in unsafe working environments. This underscores the importance of occupational health - the subject of this Congress.

The Japanese Parliamentarian League on ILO Activities which I represent also stand ready in supporting the ILO. This includes the promotion of the ratification of ILO Conventions as well as fostering partnerships within Japan and abroad. In short, we are part of their noble mission of promoting “Decent Work for All.”

Wishing you a fruitful and constructive meeting in the coming three days.