Sydney hosts global workplace health and Safety congress

Sydney hosts global workplace health and safety congress this week, welcoming the 23rd World Congress on Safety and Health at Work to the city.

The event brings together 3000 delegates from more than 125 countries to discuss workplace health and safety, risk prevention, and best practice management across every major industry sector.

What Is the World Congress on Safety and Health at Work?

This four-day congress has been organised by SafeWork NSW in partnership with the United Nations International Labour Organization and the International Social Security Association. Delegates from government, industry and academia have gathered to share management strategies that reduce risk and improve outcomes for workers worldwide.

This year's theme, "Shaping Change – Collaborating for a Healthier and Safer World of Work", encourages employers and workers to collaborate on preventing workplace injuries. The theme reflects a broader shift within industry toward proactive risk management rather than reactive compliance.

Why This Congress Matters for Safety Professionals

For technical professionals in construction, manufacturing and healthcare, this congress offers a rare opportunity to benchmark management practices against international standards. Attendees can explore emerging approaches to risk management, discuss regulatory trends, and network with peers tackling similar challenges across different industries.

Organisations seeking practical guidance can also explore the Workplace Health and Safety Show, which complements congress discussions with hands-on industry demonstrations and management resources.

Building Stronger Safety Management Systems

A well-documented management system remains foundational to reducing workplace risk. Businesses reviewing their own frameworks may benefit from resources such as the Occupational Health and Safety Manual (OHSM) or the Work Health and Safety Manual (WHSM), both designed to strengthen compliance and management practices at an organisational level.

Industry-specific guidance is equally valuable. For example, businesses in the cleaning sector can review Workplace Health and Safety in the Cleaning Industry for insights into managing sector-specific hazards, while broader accountability questions are addressed in Who Is Responsible For Workplace Safety and Health?

Ongoing Commitment to Safety Management

Congress outcomes typically influence management practices across industry for years afterward. Organisations wanting a comprehensive foundation for compliance should consider a dedicated Health and Safety Manual, ensuring management systems remain aligned with evolving international expectations.

Readers interested in outcomes from this event can review our follow-up coverage, Curtain Falls on Global Workplace Safety and Health Congress in Sydney, alongside related commemorations such as the World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2023 Promotion.

For more details on this year's program, go to the SafeWork NSW website.