Occupational Health & Safety

Occupational health and safety (OHS) encompasses the policies, systems, and practices that protect workers from work-related injury, illness, and death, and promote their physical and mental well-being in the workplace.

The ILO estimates that approximately 2.93 million workers die each year from work-related accidents and diseases, with an additional 395 million suffering non-fatal occupational injuries. ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems) provides the international standard for OHS management, replacing OHSAS 18001. The ILO's Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention (C187) establishes the obligation to promote continuous improvement in OHS.

Management Systems

An effective OHS management system, as defined by ISO 45001, includes leadership commitment and worker participation, hazard identification and risk assessment, operational controls and emergency preparedness, performance monitoring and measurement, incident investigation and corrective action, and management review and continual improvement. The system should cover all workers, including employees, contractors, and temporary workers.

Reporting Requirements

GRI 403 (Occupational Health and Safety) is one of the most detailed GRI standards, requiring disclosure on OHS management systems, hazard identification and risk assessment, occupational health services, worker participation, worker training, promotion of worker health, prevention and mitigation of OHS impacts, and work-related injuries and ill health (including fatality rates, lost-time injury frequency rates, and occupational disease rates). ESRS S1 requires comprehensive OHS disclosure including health and safety management systems and outcomes.

Mental Health

Workplace mental health has gained increasing recognition as an OHS issue. The WHO estimates that depression and anxiety cost the global economy US$1 trillion per year in lost productivity. ISO 45003 provides guidance on managing psychosocial risks in the workplace. Responsible practices include addressing workload and work design, preventing harassment and bullying, providing mental health support services, and creating a culture that supports psychological safety.

Further Reading

• ISO 45001 — OHS management system standard
• ILO SafeWork — Global OHS programme

Related Topics

• Working Conditions
• SDG 3: Good Health
• SDG 8: Decent Work