On 29 October, Australia ratified the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Fundamental Convention – Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention 187 at a tripartite ceremony of unions, employers and governments in Geneva, Switzerland. The ceremony included representatives from Safe Work Australia Members, the Australian Council of Trade Unions and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. 

The ratification of this Convention affirms Australia’s role as a world leader in work health and safety, as one of the first in the world to ratify all 10 ILO Fundamental Conventions which together recognise workplace health and safety as a fundamental principle and right. 

The ILO’s Conventions, and Australia’s ratification of them, aligns with recent work to ensure the heath and safety of all workers, including initiatives under the Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2023-2033, new guidance and regulations for psychosocial hazards, including sexual and gender-based harassment, and the ban on engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs. 

Quotes attributable to Marie Boland, CEO, Safe Work Australia

“Australia is a world leader in work health and safety, and becoming one of the first nations to ratify all 10 of the ILO’s Fundamental Conventions underscores our commitment to workplace health and safety as a fundamental principle and right.”

“The ILO’s Conventions align with our WHS framework in Australia and ensures that our approach is consistent with international best practice.”

“I’m delighted to see Australia’s commitment to ensuring every worker gets home safely recognised on the world stage today, and look forward to collaborating with Safe Work Australia members on the important work that makes this commitment a reality.”