The largest international event focusing on the prevention of workplace harms will take place in Sydney this week as NSW plays host to 3,000 people from 127 countries for the 23rd World Congress on Safety and Health at Work.
The theme 'Shaping Change – collaborating for a healthier and safer world of work', focuses on working together for a better future, a changing world of work, as well as how to future-proof against ongoing and re-emerging risks.
The World Congress provides a high-level and unique platform to exchange global information and views among work health and safety experts, representatives from enterprises and workers, social partners, decision-makers and influencers in governments and public authorities.
The programme shares perspectives from across the globe and offers a fellowship program supporting people from low and lower-middle income economies in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond to participate in and improve access to global knowledge and experience.
From Tuesday to Thursday, delegates can attend more than 30 symposia, three keynote sessions and six technical sessions with panellists from across countries, industries and professions.
Australia's event is being co-organised with the United Nations International Labour Organization, the International Social Security Association, and SafeWork NSW. It will be held at the International Convention Centre in Sydney from November 27-30.
Government delegates attending the conference include representation from Europe and North America, as well as Uganda, Burundi, Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Swaziland in Africa, and India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines in Asia.
Monday's opening event will include addresses from 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.
Find more information and view the program for World Congress.
Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:
"The Congress provides a rare opportunity for global experts in key disciplines across diverse industries to join with Australia's top specialists in work health and safety and share their hard-won knowledge and experience.
"Together we can collaborate to reduce the incidence of workplace deaths and injuries, and I anticipate an exciting opportunity to exchange viewpoints, experiences and solutions over the next few days."
Head of SafeWork NSW Trent Curtin said:
"This is the first time Australia has hosted a World Congress on Work Health and Safety and sees decision makers, experts, and leaders from 127 countries gather to share knowledge and collaborate on building safer workplaces across the globe.
"High-risk Industries, such as construction, agriculture, transport, mining and manufacturing represent a quarter of all delegates, bringing together businesses, workers, and unions a to work on real improvements to safety outcomes."
International Labour Organization, Assistant Director General, Governance, Rights and Dialogue, Manuela Tomei said:
"Recent estimates from the International Labour Organization show that nearly three million workers die every year from work-related accidents and diseases.
"The World Congress serves as an excellent opportunity to tackle existing and newly emerging OSH issues and help realize the fundamental right to a safe and healthy working environment for all."
International Social Security Association Secretary General Marcelo Abi-Ramia Caetano said:
"Helping to shape the future of work, sharing our own experiences, and learning from the most renowned experts in prevention is not only our passion but our mission. The International Social Security Association is driving prevention by promoting Vision Zero and is a proud co-organizer of the World Congress on Safety and Health at Work."
