SPOTLIGHT
WORK 2022 : NEW FIVE-YEAR VISION FOR A SAFER AND HEALTHIER WORLD OF WORK
A global vision to tackle inequalities in safeguarding the world ’ s workforce has been unveiled by IOSH , the leading chartered professional health and safety body .
While health and safety is at the heart of some of the world ’ s most successful organisations , over 2.3 million people die every year from workrelated accidents or illness – more than the death toll from malaria .
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health ’ s ( IOSH ) 2017-2022 strategy calls for a collective effort to ensure that employees can return home fit and well after every working day , no matter where in the world they are .
WORK 2022 – SHAPING THE FUTURE OF SAFETY AND HEALTH
‘ WORK 2022 – shaping the future of safety and health ’ was launched at IOSH ’ s Middle East Conference in Doha , Qatar , a country pursuing ambitious growth and preparing to host football ’ s World Cup in five years ’ time .
The IOSH branch in Qatar has seen a five-fold membership increase in the past five years . Its members are working across industries to ensure health and safety standards keep pace with the country ’ s rapid development .
To protect workers and improve workplaces , IOSH will seek to enhance the occupational safety and health profession , build strategic collaborative partnerships across industry and strengthen its influence globally through impactful research and development .
IOSH ’ s strategy includes :
• Working in partnership with professionals in countries facing local challenges related injury and illness caused by work .
• Rolling out the first comprehensive competency framework for safety and health to allow professionals to map their career path .
• A programme to boost the image of safety and health as a first career and help ambitious young people become the leaders of the future .
• Introducing an entry-level qualification to develop a clear route into the profession .
WORK 2022 was launched by Dr Bill Gunnyeon , Chair of IOSH ’ s Board of Trustees and former Chief Medical Adviser for the UK government ’ s Department of Work and Pensions .
Before the launch , he said :
“ We know organisations across the world are striving to increase the protection of their workforces through improvements in health and safety .
“ At IOSH we want to work with organisations to help ensure that , irrespective of where in the world they are , the protection and promotion of the health and wellbeing of their workforces will ultimately achieve the standard of the best .
“ This will ensure that , over time , we see a significant reduction in the avoidable human and financial costs of work-related injury and ill health .” IOSH Chief Executive Bev Messinger said : “ Our new strategy focuses priorities for IOSH and sets its direction for the next five years , helping enhance the profession , making improvements for members , increasing our influence and impact around the world . It will guide the work we do to achieve our mission and charitable aims in partnership with others .”
Ria Sooknarine , a committee member of IOSH ’ s Caribbean Branch and Head of Health and Safety for Massy Stores in Trinidad , said belonging to the Institution “ enhances my career and professional development ”.
“ Health and safety is fairly new in Trinidad and Tobago . One of the challenges that we face is that not many people are aware of what the legislation entails . This is why IOSH is very important . It helps to bring that awareness factor to the workforce here .”
IOSH will draw on the skills and networks of its members to develop and implement a new model for how it works with businesses .
Matt Tyler , Managing Director of UK-based construction firm DriBuild , which is among over 100 businesses to pledge its support to IOSH ’ s No Time to Lose occupational cancer campaign said :
“ Being able to collaborate with IOSH is absolutely fantastic . It means we ’ ve got a healthier , safer environment for our staff and supply chain workers . At the end of the day , that ’ s what we all want .”
For more information , go to www . ioshwork2022 . com or visit stand Q80 at the Safety & Health Expo 2017 for 1-2-1 support from the IOSH team .
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HSE INTERNATIONAL