Globalization and safety

Last week Time Magazine produced an article about 10 Ideas that are Changing the World. The first idea mentioned was common wealth, which basically was another way of describing globalization. As I read this article I was thinking about how globalization will change the concept of safe work environments.

A decade ago it might have been okay for me to ignore unacceptable work conditions in other countries because it really did not affect my life in a significant way. Today however, with increased global connectivity the way people in other countries are treated in regards to health and safety will eventually make an impact on the quality of the work environment I now take for granted.

Although it is easier for me to just close my eyes and pretend that there are not horrible working conditions in other countries – I recognize that for the sake of my own kids I must raise my voice on this issue.

According to the International Labour Congress there are millions of deaths each year in the world due to poor working conditions. I don’t think that we should accept this. I have been thinking for a while about what I can do about this and I have come up with a few ideas:

• Get informed about the issues (the ILC has lots of great resources that will give you insight into labour issues in other countries)
• Find out the labour policies of some of your favorite stores.
• If you find that some of the stores you support have unscrupulous labour practices – make some noise about it! Write the store, write in your blog about it, write the media – tell whomever will listen. The reality is we will never see change if we don’t ask for it.

I am convinced that raising my voice on this issue is not only something that could save lives – but is an idea that makes good economic sense.  If all the inhabitants of the world are given basic rights at their place of work then we will all be able to compete on a more level playing ground and that means more stable working environments for all of our children.