The International Social Security Association (ISSA) has signed an agreement with the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), with the aim to offer high quality training courses on occupational safety and health (OSH). The cooperation is part of the Vision Zero strategy, and includes an accreditation and licensing process for Vision Zero trainers.

The agreement takes Vision Zero another step from campaign to strategy. Initiated by the ISSA Special Commission on Prevention, the Vision Zero campaign was launched at the World Congress on Safety and Health at Work in Singapore, in 2017. Building on the philosophy that all accidents, diseases and harm at work are preventable, it became an immediate success. In just three years, over 12 600 organizations, companies and OSH trainers have signed up in support.

Developing world-class training

IOSH is the world’s leading chartered professional body for people responsible for safety, health and wellbeing in the workplace. Through the Vision Zero campaign, the ISSA has access to a pool of over 1200 OSH trainers committed to the cause. “By joining forces, the ISSA and IOSH will ensure the development of high quality training capacity, building on the Vision Zero 7 Golden Rules. This is a crucial pillar to make advances towards the vision of a world without work-inflicted disease, injuries or fatalities”, said Marcelo Abi-Ramia Caetano, Secretary General of the ISSA.

Evidence-based research and good practices have demonstrated that training of government officials, workers and employers in prevention can significantly reduce the number of occupational injuries, accidents and disease. This not only reduces human suffering, but represents important savings for employers, workers, social security organizations and societies. Bev Messinger, Chief Executive of IOSH, said “By combining IOSH’s internationally recognised expertise in occupational safety and health training with the ISSA’s social security influence and expertise, together we will further the cause of preventing workplace harm and achieve our shared vision of a safer, healthier world of work.”

Safer and healthier lives save money

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), accidents and illness at work represent a loss of almost 4 per cent of global GDP. An ISSA report has shown that 76 per cent of companies estimate that additional investments in OSH would reduce (52 per cent) long-term company costs, or be cost neutral (24 per cent).

The new Vision Zero Training Programme will be officially launched during next week’s World Congress Digital Meeting on COVID-19 and OSH. All Vision Zero trainers will be invited to sign up to the certification programme offered by IOSH in partnership with ISSA. The World Congress Digital Meeting will also be an opportunity to learn more about the new Vision Zero Proactive Leading Indicators – a guide to measure and manage safety, health and wellbeing.