Introduction
In recent developments, the International Labour Organization has expanded its Core Conventions framework by formally recognizing two Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) instruments:
- ILO Convention 155
- ILO Convention 187
This marks a significant shift.
OHS is no longer only a regulatory or operational requirement—it is now positioned as a fundamental principle and right at work.
The Current Reality on the Ground
In many factory settings, compliance efforts remain primarily aligned with:
- National labour laws
- Buyer-specific audit checklists
- Established industry practices
While these frameworks address important areas, awareness around the expanded scope of OHS under the new ILO core conventions remains limited.
In some cases:
- Management teams are not yet familiar with the implications
- Internal systems are designed around minimum legal compliance
- Updates in international standards are yet to be fully translated into operational practices
What Has Changed?
The inclusion of Conventions 155 and 187 elevates expectations in two key ways:
- OHS becomes a fundamental right
Not just a compliance requirement, but a core labour principle - System-based approach becomes essential
Moving beyond reactive compliance toward proactive risk management
Key Areas Often Underemphasized in Local Practice
While national labour laws provide a structured baseline, certain elements emphasized in the new ILO framework may not always be fully reflected in local implementation.
1. Preventive OHS Management Systems
The focus shifts from:
- Responding to incidents
To:
- Systematic identification and mitigation of risks
This includes:
- Risk assessments across all operations
- Preventive controls integrated into daily processes
2. Worker Participation in Safety Decisions
The conventions emphasize:
- Active involvement of workers in OHS matters
- Consultation in identifying risks and solutions
In practice, this goes beyond:
- Safety committees on paper
Toward:
- Meaningful engagement and feedback loops
3. Continuous Improvement Approach
Convention 187 introduces the concept of:
- OHS as a continually evolving system
This requires:
- Regular review of safety performance
- Data-driven decision making
- Learning from near-misses, not just incidents
4. Integration into Organizational Strategy
OHS is no longer a standalone function.
It is expected to be:
- Embedded into management systems
- Linked with productivity and sustainability goals
5. Broader Scope of Risk
The modern interpretation of OHS includes:
- Physical hazards
- Chemical exposure
- Ergonomic risks
- Psychosocial factors (increasingly relevant globally)
Why This Matters Now
With these conventions now recognized as core, expectations are evolving across:
- Global brands and buyers
- Audit frameworks
- Due diligence requirements
Even where local regulations remain unchanged, alignment with international principles is becoming increasingly relevant.
Bridging the Gap
The transition from:
“Legal compliance”
to:
“Holistic safety management”
does not require immediate structural overhaul—but it does require awareness and intent.
Practical starting points may include:
- Reviewing existing OHS systems against international expectations
- Strengthening worker involvement mechanisms
- Expanding risk assessment coverage
- Building internal awareness at management level
Conclusion
The recognition of OHS conventions as core standards signals an important shift in how workplace safety is viewed globally.
For factories, this presents both:
- A challenge in adapting systems
- An opportunity to strengthen long-term sustainability
Because ultimately, effective safety management is not only about compliance—it is about creating systems that consistently protect and support the workforce.
Disclaimer
The views expressed are based on general industry observations and are intended for professional discussion only.