Occupational Safety and Health and the Informal Economy: Evidence Review

The informal economy accounts for more than 60% of the world's employed population, yet many informal workers remain outside formal occupational safety and health (OSH) systems and lack access to essential protections. The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH)'s evidence review, developed by RAND Europe, examines the relationship between informality and occupational safety and health, bringing together global evidence on the risks, challenges and opportunities facing workers in the informal economy.

The review highlights that informal workers are often exposed to hazardous working conditions, limited access to safety equipment and training, poor access to healthcare and social protection, and higher rates of work-related injury, illness and occupational disease. It also identifies the distinct challenges faced by women, young workers and migrant workers, who are often disproportionately represented in informal employment and may experience additional barriers to protection and support.

Drawing on evidence from across sectors and regions, the publication explores promising approaches to improving outcomes for informal workers, including extending access to healthcare, social protection and OSH services, strengthening worker engagement, supporting collective action and promoting pathways from informal to formal employment where appropriate. The review recognises that effective solutions must reflect local contexts and be supported through collaboration between governments, employers, worker organisations, occupational safety and health professionals and other stakeholders.

The evidence review reinforces the importance of integrating informal workers into national OSH systems and improving the evidence base to support policy and practice. It highlights the need for inclusive, practical and sustainable approaches that enable more workers to benefit from safe and healthy working conditions, while supporting decent work, social protection and sustainable economic development.

By identifying key risks, protection gaps and opportunities for action, the review contributes to wider efforts to improve worker safety, health and wellbeing and supports the transition towards safer, healthier and more secure forms of work.