World Safety Congress comes to Sydney

The 23rd World Congress on Safety and Health at Work is taking place in Sydney this week, with approximately 3000 people from 127 countries expected to attend the international event that focuses on the prevention of workplace harms. The theme, ‘Shaping Change — Collaborating for a healthier and safer world of work’, focuses on working together for a better future and a changing world of work, as well as how to future-proof against ongoing and re-emerging risks.

The World Congress provides a platform for attendees 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 World Congress also offers a fellowship program to support 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.

Up until Thursday, 30 November, delegates can attend more than 30 symposia, three keynote sessions and six technical sessions with panellists from across countries, industries and professions. The event is co-organised with the United Nations International Labour Organisation, the International Social Security Association and SafeWork NSW. It is being held at the International Convention Centre in Sydney.

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. Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said the Congress provides an opportunity for global experts in disciplines across diverse industries to join Australia’s top specialists in work health and safety and share their 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,” Cotsis said.

Head of SafeWork NSW Trent Curtin said high-risk industries, such as construction, agriculture, transport, mining and manufacturing represent a quarter of all delegates, bringing together businesses, workers and unions to work on real improvements to safety outcomes. “This is the first time Australia has hosted a World Congress on Work Health and Safety and [it] sees decision-makers, experts and leaders from 127 countries gather to share knowledge and collaborate on building safer workplaces across the globe,” Curtin said.

For more information about the World Congress, click here.

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