At its 110th Session in June 2022, the International Labour Conference decided to include “a safe and healthy working environment” in the ILO's framework of fundamental principles and rights at work and to designate the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) and the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187) as fundamental Conventions.

All Members, even if they have not ratified these two conventions, now have an obligation arising from the very fact of membership in the ILO to respect, to promote and to realize, in good faith and in accordance with the ILO Constitution, the principles concerning the fundamental right to a safe and healthy working environment.

The Office will support Members to progressively respect and realize the preventive principles contained in Convention, Nos 155 and 187 promoting the development and implementation of national OSH policies, programmes and systems and the establishment of a national preventative safety and health culture. In addition, a vital tool to ensure a safe and healthy working environment is the active implementation of an efficient and effective occupational safety and health management system.

What does the inclusion of a safe and healthy working environment as a fundamental principle and right at work mean for governments, workers and employers around the world?