Report from the OH&S Canada magazine (Fall 2025)
A landmark founding declaration to advance safer, healthier, more sustainable workplaces worldwide has been signed as part of Expo 2025 in Osaka-Kansai, Japan.
The declaration launched the World Assembly of Occupational Safety, Health, and Well-being Professionals and Stakeholders, a network that will collaborate on commitments promoting safety and well-being, driving global collaboration, empowering future leaders, and creating a roadmap of concrete actions between now and 2030.
The launch took place during the four-day programme “Days on safety, health and well-being” organized by the Global Initiative for Safety, Health and Well-being at the EXPO2025 and Beyond (GISHW). It’s the first time in more than 170 years that safety and health at work has featured at a World Expo and shows how vital good work is to this Expo’s overarching theme: “Designing future society for our lives.”
The signing is the start of collaboration over the next five years and beyond. It marks a global effort to protect the lives and livelihoods of billions of working people worldwide.
The declaration, supported by leaders in the occupational safety and health (OSH) profession, sets the foundation for future collaborative action and emphasizes that occupational safety, health, and well-being are essential to building the societies we want to live and work in.
“In a rapidly changing world, driven by geopolitical and economic volatility, digital transformation, climate change, and shifting demographics, the need for safe and healthy workplaces is more urgent than ever,” said Marijana Zivkovic Mtegha from IOSH, chair of the World Assembly Working Group and vice-Chair, GISHW executive committee. “This declaration acknowledges that safety, health, and well-being are not only critical to the workplace but are fundamental to the broader societal agenda, including the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, and beyond.”
The World Assembly’s declaration serves as a call to action, emphasizing that the future of work must be safe, inclusive, fair, and forward-thinking. It brings together a unified voice in support of a global movement that places safety, health, and well-being at the heart of societal development.
The founding declaration calls for collective action from governments, businesses, policymakers, and OSH professionals worldwide. The signatories commit to:
- Promote safety and well-being in workplaces, integrating proactive risk management, inclusive design, and ethical technology use
- Drive global collaboration to share best practices and expertise, particularly in response to digital transformation, climate change, and demographic shifts
- Empower future leaders in the OSH field by ensuring diverse perspectives and fostering innovation
- Create a shared 2030 roadmap that will turn these commitments into concrete actions, informed by the outcomes of workshops at Expo 2025.
Together, the signatories pledge to make tangible progress, fostering collaboration and driving the global OSH agenda forward to create safer, healthier, and more sustainable workplaces for all. The World Assembly community will continue to reflect on and share progress made against the shared priorities outlined in this Declaration. Progress will be revisited at the GISHW days expected to take place in Riyadh Saudi Arabia, in 2030.
The World Assembly of Occupational Safety, Health and Well-being Professionals and Stakeholders will be a dynamic platform for ongoing dialogue, shared learning, and leadership, ensuring this joint effort continues and grows in the lead-up to 2030.
OSH organizations and stakeholders who would like to be involved are invited to join or partner with the World Assembly to further advance OSH worldwide. Together, we can drive global progress in safety, health, and well-being, creating safer, healthier, and more sustainable workplaces for all.
My opinion
The concept of workplace safety has been around for many, many years but production over safety has been the priority for the most part. Yes, it is changing, but old norms are hard to eliminate.
I was glad to hear that many safety organizations came to the table to improve workplace safety. Two were missing though, NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health), as well as the CCOHS (The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety). Both play a prominent role in North America. The CCOHS would have given Canada a strong voice at the table.
Yes, the IOSH was there, but more were in denial and did not attend.
HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs. Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.
Ensure your workplace is a safe place.
Remember – In Canada, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”
‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.
Daniel L. Beal
CHSEP – Advanced Level
CEO & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.