Enhancing Workplace Safety: The 23rd World Congress on Safety and Health at Work
The highly anticipated 23rd World Congress on Safety and Health at Work is set to kick off in Sydney, Australia this week, bringing together a diverse group of 3,000 individuals from 127 countries. This significant international event is dedicated to addressing and preventing workplace hazards, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and the exchange of valuable insights.
Under the theme ‘Shaping Change – collaborating for a healthier and safer world of work’, the Congress aims to foster a united approach towards creating a safer and healthier working environment in the face of a rapidly evolving global landscape. It will also delve into strategies for mitigating ongoing and re-emerging risks in the workplace.
A noteworthy aspect of the World Congress is the provision of a fellowship program designed to support participation from individuals residing in low and lower-middle income economies in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. This initiative aims to enhance access to global knowledge and expertise, thereby promoting the sharing of diverse perspectives and best practices.
The event will offer an extensive programme featuring over 30 symposia, three keynote sessions, and six technical sessions, all of which will be facilitated by esteemed panellists representing various countries, industries, and professions. It is a powerful platform for work health and safety experts, enterprise representatives, workers, and government officials to engage in fruitful discussions and knowledge exchange.
The Congress is co-organised by Australia, the United Nations International Labour Organization, the International Social Security Association, and SafeWork NSW, and will be held at the prestigious International Convention Centre in Sydney from November 27-30. Notably, government representatives from Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia will be in attendance, underscoring the event’s global significance.
The opening event on Monday will feature addresses from prominent figures including NSW Premier Chris Minns, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis, President of the 23rd World Congress Andrew Gavrielatos, International Labour Organization Assistant Director-General Manuela Tomei, and International Social Security Association President Dr Mohammed Azman.
Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis expressed her enthusiasm for the Congress, emphasising the invaluable opportunity it presents for global experts to share their expertise and work together to reduce workplace fatalities and injuries. Similarly, Head of SafeWork NSW Trent Curtin highlighted the significance of the event in uniting decision-makers, experts, and leaders from around the world to collaborate on creating safer workplaces.
According to International Labour Organization Assistant Director-General Manuela Tomei, the Congress offers a crucial platform for addressing the staggering statistic that nearly three million workers die annually from work-related accidents and diseases. She stressed the importance of tackling existing and emerging occupational safety and health (OSH) issues to uphold the fundamental right to a safe and healthy working environment for all.
In alignment with the mission of the International Social Security Association, Secretary General Marcelo Abi-Ramia Caetano affirmed the organisation’s commitment to shaping the future of work and driving prevention through initiatives such as Vision Zero. The Association is proud to be a co-organiser of the World Congress on Safety and Health at Work, further underlining the widespread dedication to enhancing workplace safety.
In conclusion, the 23rd World Congress on Safety and Health at Work stands as a pivotal event uniting global efforts to address workplace risks and foster collaboration for a safer and healthier world of work. Through the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and solutions, it represents a significant leap towards achieving a shared goal of creating safer workplaces for individuals across the globe.
