Global Strategy on Occupational Safety and Health 2024–30 and plan of action for its implementation.

 

The Global Strategy on Occupational Safety and Health 2024–30 and plan of action for its implementation is grounded on the following four transversal guiding principles. 

(a) International labour standards. The ILO normative framework, including the fundamental Conventions on occupational safety and health, the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155), and Convention No. 187, will guide the strategy implementation, with the aim of assisting constituents to promote, respect and realize the right to a safe and healthy working environment and build a culture of prevention. Ratification and implementation of risk-specific and sector-specific standards on occupational safety and health, as well as standards focused on critical elements of national occupational safety and health systems, such as occupational health services and recording and notification systems, will also be promoted. Assistance will be provided to constituents for their implementation, by means of ILO guidelines, codes of practice and capacity-building materials. The inter-complementarities between occupational safety and health and the other fundamental principles and rights at work will be considered in the implementation of the three strategic pillars, particularly regarding policy formulation and workplace interventions. 

(b) Social dialogue and participation. The active engagement of tripartite constituents in the development and implementation of the strategy and plan of action will ensure sustainable and successful interventions. Effective social dialogue on occupational safety and health will be promoted at workplace, sectoral, national, and global levels, including in the formulation of policies and programmes, design of development cooperation initiatives and participation in international initiatives. The right to freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining will be promoted as an enabler for achieving the right to a safe and healthy working environment.

 (c) A human-centred, inclusive and gender-transformative approach. Realizing the fundamental right to a safe and healthy working environment requires a comprehensive approach that accounts for the diverse realities of the world of work and the unique characteristics of workers. Interventions will consider that policies, programmes and workplace actions on occupational safety and health should recognize that workers are not a homogenous group and that there is no universal solution to meet their varied needs, and that a human-centred approach to occupational safety and health is essential for ensuring equal opportunities and treatment in employment. In order to reduce inequalities, consideration of gender, disability and age, and the special vulnerabilities of migrant workers, will be mainstreamed into occupational safety and health policies and programmes. In addition, the impacts of gender, age and disability on occupational safety and health will be further investigated, to promote equal access to occupational health services and health care for all workers, as well as to design and implement preventative measures and develop targeted information, education and training programmes. 

(d) A focus on prevention throughout the life cycle. The goal of occupational safety and health is to prevent occupational injuries, diseases and deaths, by eliminating or minimizing workplace hazards and risks. Prevention of occupational safety and health risks should consider all stages of life, including raising awareness from a young age, during transition periods, and before or after participating in the labour market. The strategy will promote the integration of occupational safety and health-related issues in general education, technical and vocational training and quality apprenticeships, 15 as well as in job design, access to employment and skills strategies.

ILO Governing Bodies