Sustainable development goal 10

Occupational health management involves assessing and limiting health hazards associated with the work and the work environment, monitoring for cases of work-related ill health and treating cases where they arise. It is also about considering both the physical and mental health of a worker and its relation to the work they do.

Occupational health should be given the same weight and managed with equal effort as occupational safety. This has not always been the case, perhaps because the impacts of worker safety are more immediate, whereas the health effects on workers can take months or years to develop.

The International Labour Organization identifies the elements of occupational health as:

• identification and assessment of the risks from health hazards in the workplace
• advice on elements of the work environment or working practices that may affect workers’ health, such as welfare provisions or housing provided by the employer
• guidance on workplace and work equipment
• monitoring workers’ health in relation to work
• and investigation of occupational ill-health or diseases.

Work environments and working conditions are key determinants of health outcomes, both positive and negative. As such, the role organisations play in supporting the health of workers is a significant one.

Effective occupational health contributes to the delivery of the following SDG targets:

• 3.3 end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases and other communicable diseases
• 3.5 strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol
• 6.3 improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials
• 10.4 adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality.

A significant majority of global occupational fatalities can be attributed to occupational diseases such as cancer, circulatory diseases, and communicable diseases. Efforts both to prevent the occurrence of work-related disease and to support those workers impacted by them are hugely important. Not only will this help with the long-term sustainability and viability of businesses, but it will also help protect public health systems.

Good occupational health services have been proven to enhance employee health, workforce productivity, business performance and the economy. Well-designed prevention policy packages enhance population health, reduce health expenditure, and improve employment (including longevity of working life) and work productivity.

The importance of a occupational health as part of good occupational safety and health provision is recognised by its inclusion in IOSH’s competency framework.

An OSH management system (OSHMS) is simply the umbrella term for an organisation’s efforts to manage OSH effectively.

It covers all effort to prevent work-related injury and ill-health (covering both physical and mental health), to remove hazards, and to minimise OSH risks. It includes policies, management processes, procedures, performance measurement tools, reporting mechanisms, planning and project management processes, training provision, risk assessment and incident investigation.

The word ‘system’ should not be confused with a computer system or a digital application. In this context, the system is a documented collection of policies, processes, and procedures. Other business functions might also incorporate OSH elements into their processes (for example including safety and health clauses in procurement contracts or worker recruitment processes). These activities also form part of an OSHMS.

An OSHMS is a valuable part of an organisation’s governance. A strong system helps formalise the sustainable and inclusive protection of workers.

An effective OSHMS contributes to the delivery of the following SDG targets:

• 1.3 implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all
• 8.2 achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation
• 10.3 ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome
• 12.6 adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle
• 12.7 public procurement practices that are sustainable
• 16.6 effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels
• 17.10 promote a universal, rules-based, open, non‑discriminatory, and equitable multilateral trading system.

An OSH management system refers to the dynamic, varied, and coordinated set of components that enact an organisation’s commitment to safety and health. These efforts extend beyond the direct and immediate response to OSH risks and hazards to include structural, administrative, and governance arrangements. These enhanced efforts, be it in the shape of clear OSH performance reporting or the mandatory incorporation of OSH considerations in procurement processes, can make a valuable contribution to businesses’ broader sustainability efforts.

The importance of a management system as part of good occupational safety and health provision is recognised by its inclusion in IOSH’s competency framework.

Ensuring the welfare of workers involves providing clean, healthy and comfortable surroundings and services and amenities that are necessary for employee wellbeing.

The provision of welfare facilities for the health and wellbeing of workers includes:

• toilets and washing facilities
• rest and changing spaces
• a place to store and dry work clothing
• clean space to eat and drink during break times
• and first aid arrangements.

These are an important part of good OSH management.

Organisations should consider offering more than basic facilities. Better welfare provision makes workers feel valued and looked after, which is likely to make them more committed to working for, and staying with, the organisation and to recommend it to others. Being an employer of choice, retaining and recruiting talented and productive workers will make the organisation more profitable and sustainable.

Welfare provision contributes to the delivery of the following SDG targets:

• 6.1 access to safe…drinking water
• 6.2 access to adequate…sanitation and hygiene
• 10.4 adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality.

The provision of comprehensive welfare facilities for workers realises a number of basic human rights in the workplace context. Where the idea of a safe and healthy work environment might call to mind the provision of well-planned work activities and well-maintained equipment, broader arrangements for worker welfare ensure that all workers are able to wash, drink, and rest, as well as being able to comfortably take care of their personal needs.

For more information on OSH welfare provision, search for the following guide on our website: Introduction to welfare.

The importance of welfare as part of good occupational safety and health provision is recognised by its inclusion in IOSH’s competency framework.