The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH) has launched a new research project to strengthen workplace safety in industries driving the green transition. The initiative examines risks posed by new materials, chemicals, and emerging industrial processes, applying a
multidisciplinary approach that combines occupational hygiene, human factors research, and occupational medicine. Using innovative tools such as the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) toolkit and the HF‑Tool™, the project will model work processes, assess chemical exposures, and analyze organizational and human behaviours that influence safety. Conducted from February 2026 to June 2028 in collaboration with participating enterprises, the project aims to develop practical guidance to support proactive safety management during the green transition. Its findings will be compiled into recommendations for broad use across Finnish industrial workplaces. Project info sheet:
Workplace safety in the sustainable development industry – GOSH
The
International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO) is offering a wide range of online and blended courses designed to strengthen skills in occupational safety and health (OSH) and related areas. Current programmes include Essentials in Occupational Safety and Health in English and Spanish, as well as specialised courses such as Improving the National Framework for Occupational Safety and Health, Prevention of Work‑related Diseases, and New Technologies, AI and Digitalization for OSH Practice. These courses support institutions, social partners and practitioners seeking to advance safer, healthier workplaces. Many programmes are self-guided and accessible online, making them suitable for participants worldwide. Full details and registration options are available on the ITCILO website:
ITCILO Training Offer in OSH
Senegal will host the
24th World Congress on Safety and Health at Work in April 2027, marking the first time the event will take place in Africa. The Congress will be part of the Week for Safety and Health at Work from 26 to 30 April 2027. The hosting agreement was signed in Geneva on 7 January 2026 by representatives of the Government of Senegal, and the International Labour Organization and the ISSA as co-hosts. Senegal has shown growing engagement in occupational safety and health. The 2027 Congress will convene policymakers, employers, workers and OSH experts from around the world to discuss emerging issues such as climate resilience, heat stress, digital technologies including artificial intelligence and strategies for longer, healthier working lives, as well as African priorities in occupational health and safety.
The Institute for Work & Health (Canada) has published the foresight report
Work and Health 2040, which examines how technological change, evolving work organization and demographic shifts may influence occupational health and safety over the coming decades. The analysis highlights rapid transformations expected to reshape work environments and identifies both challenges and opportunities for protecting workers. Developed through international collaboration and translated into French with support from the IRSST, the report encourages early planning to ensure healthier and safer workplaces by 2040.
Report in English:
Work & health 2040: Anticipating changes impacting the futures of occupational health and safetyRapport en Français:
Santé et travail en 2040: Anticiper les changements à venir en santé et sécurité des travailleurs