1 Implementing Occupational Safety and Health Standards Globally International ILO Conference Dusseldorf, November 2009 Bringing Safety and Health Standards to Life Presented by Michele Patterson IALI President & Executive Director SafeWork SA

2 Bringing Safety and Health Standards to Life: How strong and effective labour inspection can help your country’s economic and social wellbeing in times of financial crisis

3 Bringing Safety and Health Standards to Life: 10 minutes to convince you that effective labour inspection is key to making health and safety standards more than just paper

4 The Partners ILO & IALI Stage 1 – International standards developed Employer Reps + Worker Reps + Government Reps Stage 2 – National laws made Employer Associations + Unions + Ministry/Department of Labour lnspectorates Stage 3 – Standards implemented in workplace (ie come alive!) Employers + Workers + Labour Inspectors

6 Labour Inspectors address: Occupational safety and health Conditions of work Forced labour Child labour Employment relations Social security Gender equality and discrimination Illegal employment Specifc sectoral functions (eg agriculture, construction, mining etc)

8 ways in which labour inspection brings OSH standards to life Promoting and facilitating Regional Cooperation in Labour Inspection IALI Conference - Adelaide March, 208

8 Labour Inspection: bringing OSH standards to life Worker LevelBusiness LevelCountry Level Improved conditions of work Reduced costs to business Better quality products and services LABOUR INSPECTION POSITIVELY IMPACTS ON:  No. 1

9 Labour Inspection: bringing OSH standards to life Worker LevelBusiness LevelCountry Level Promotion of worker rights Reduced disputesDecline in number of days lost to production LABOUR INSPECTION POSITIVELY IMPACTS ON:  No. 2

10 Labour Inspection: bringing OSH standards to life Worker LevelBusiness LevelCountry Level Proactive health and safety of workers Reduced injuries, diseases, fatalities Improved health of the economy LABOUR INSPECTION POSITIVELY IMPACTS ON:  No. 3

11 Labour Inspection: bringing OSH standards to life Worker LevelBusiness LevelCountry Level Ensuring workers are consulted & participate in OSH Collective responsibility for OSH compliance Good Governance LABOUR INSPECTION POSITIVELY IMPACTS ON:  No. 4

12 Labour Inspection: bringing OSH standards to life Worker LevelBusiness LevelCountry Level Human dignityCooperative workforce Social cohesion LABOUR INSPECTION POSITIVELY IMPACTS ON:  No. 5

13 Labour Inspection: bringing OSH standards to life Worker LevelBusiness LevelCountry Level Increased motivation of workers Increased productivity The right environment for business to thrive LABOUR INSPECTION POSITIVELY IMPACTS ON:  No. 6

14 Labour Inspection: bringing OSH standards to life Worker LevelBusiness LevelCountry Level Fair labour standards Harmony in the workplace Sustainable economic growth and development LABOUR INSPECTION POSITIVELY IMPACTS ON:  No. 7

15 Labour Inspection: bringing OSH standards to life Worker LevelBusiness LevelCountry Level Ensuring decent work Promotion of corporate social responsibility Increased standard of living LABOUR INSPECTION POSITIVELY IMPACTS ON:  No. 8

16 Labour Inspection: bringing OSH standards to life LABOUR INSPECTION IS VITAL TO ENSURE:  In summary, for workers 1Improved conditions of work 5Worker rights are promoted 2Workers are consulted & participate in OSH 6Increased motivation of workers through safe and fair conditions 3Proactive health and safety of workers 7Decent work 4Fair labour standards are applied 8Human dignity at work

17 Labour Inspection: bringing OSH standards to life LABOUR INSPECTION IS VITAL TO ENSURE:  In summary, for business 1Reduced costs to business 5Cooperative workforce 2Reduced disputes6Increased productivity 3Reduced injuries, diseases and fatalities 7Harmony in the workplace 4Collective responsibility for OHS compliance 8Promotion of corporate social responsibility

18 Labour Inspection: bringing OSH standards to life LABOUR INSPECTION IS VITAL TO ENSURE:  In summary, for your country 1Better quality products and services 5Social cohesion 2Decline in number of days lost to production 6The right environment for business to thrive 3Improved health of the economy 7Sustainable economic growth and development 4Good governance8Increased standard of living

19 Labour Inspection: bringing OSH standards to life So,  if your labour inspection system is effective:  each investment you make in a labour inspector will be repaid many times

20 through:  Improved occupational health & safety and fair working conditions that deliver  reductions in deaths, injuries, diseases, disputes & costs to business  – as well as human dignity, more productive workers & the right environment for business to thrive.

21 Invest in labour inspection in times of financial crisis to bring your OSH standards to life “An efficient and adequately resourced labour inspection system makes a significant contribution to economic development, social cohesion and good governance” (ILO Governing Body Committee on Employment and Social Policy, November 2006))

22  Thank You