Dresden, Germany – The 12th International Conference on Working on Safety (WOS) 2024 took place from September 22-25, 2024, at the Congress Centre of the IAG in Dresden. Hosted by the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), this year’s conference marked a special anniversary as it returned to Dresden, the site of the second WOS conference 20 years ago.

Under the theme “Building a Resilient Future – Towards Sustainable Safety in a Rapidly Changing World,” the conference brought together over 120 speakers from approximately 30 countries. A significant focus of the event was on Vision Zero, a global strategy aimed at eliminating all fatalities and severe injuries while promoting safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all.

Key Vision Zero initiatives highlighted during the conference included:

• Digital Transformation of Health and Safety: analysing how digital tools and technologies are revolutionizing health and safety practices, contributing to the Vision Zero goal.
• Cultural Diversity in the Workplace: discussing the importance of cultural diversity and inclusion in achieving a zero-accident workplace.
• Protecting Health and Safety in a Changing Climate:  addressing strategies to safeguard workers’ health and safety amidst climate change.
• Opening New Doors in OSH Beyond Compliance: exploring how Vision Zero can extend occupational safety and health (OSH) beyond mere compliance.
• Generative AI in Education and Training: discussing the role of generative AI in transforming digital classrooms.
• Managing Health and Safety: highlighting essential elements for effective health and safety management.
• Towards a Paradigm Shift for Prevention: emphasizing the need for a paradigm shift in prevention strategies.
• Case Studies and Best Practices: Various sessions showcased successful implementations of Vision Zero in different industries, providing practical examples and strategies for achieving zero accidents.
• Work Organisation and Safety: Discussions on how changes in work organisation can support the Vision Zero initiative by creating safer and more resilient workplaces.
• Sustainable Development and Occupational Safety: Sessions explored the intersection of sustainable development goals and occupational safety, emphasizing the role of Vision Zero in promoting long-term, sustainable safety practices.

The conference successfully fostered an exchange of experiences, findings, and best practices among global prevention experts, reinforcing the commitment to Vision Zero and its principles.
The new ISSA publications on Vision Zero implementation worldwide were also presented.

For more information about the WOS 2024 Conference, visit wos2024.org