One of our key functions, under the Safe Work Australia Act 2008 (Cth), is to work with international bodies on WHS and workers’ compensation policy matters of national importance.
Our work with other countries
We work with other countries to:
- respond to requests from WHS bodies – like the G20 Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Network, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and World Health Organization (WHO) – to take part in research and other activities
- host officials from other countries who want to learn about our WHS and workers’ compensation systems
- take part in international conferences and meetings
- share expertise and ideas on how Australia manages WHS and workers’ compensation nationally
- contribute to international associations’ reports.
G20 Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Network
Our CEO represents Australia on the G20 Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Network.
The network helps G20 countries talk about and coordinate on OSH, in line with ministers’ and leaders’ expectations.
The World Congress on Safety and Health at Work
We contribute to the Work Congress on Safety and Health at Work – a major international WHS conference on every 3 years.
United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
We’re contribute to 2 sub-committees under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE):
- UN Sub-Committee of Experts on the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals
- UN Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UNSCETDG)
As part of the GHS Sub-Committee, we:
- lead the GHS implementation in Australia
- head the Australian delegation
- present the Australian Government position on chemicals issues on behalf of all agencies responsible for chemicals management.
We also contribute to the UNSCETDG’s Explosives Working Group and provide the Australian position on explosives matters.
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development
We contribute to the OECD’s Environment, Health and Safety Programme.
Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation
The Chemical Dialogue is one way the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) promotes economic growth, cooperation, trade and investment across many industries.
We contribute to the dialogue through advising on GHS implementation, including workplace training, classification and labelling.
Singapore International Advisory Panel
The International Advisory Panel (IAP) was formed as part of Singapore’s efforts to leverage on the expertise of renowned international experts to raise their safety standards to one of the best amongst leading edge countries. The main purpose of the IAP is to provide advice to Ministry, and to critique Singapore’s strategies and safety standards.
The Panel will meet once every two years in Singapore.
International Commission on Occupational Health
The International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH) are an NGO helping scientists around the world collaborate on work health.
They hold the World Congress on Occupational Health every 3 years.