NZISM Signs Singapore Accord to Advance Global Workplace H&S

NZISM signs landmark Singapore Accord to advance global workplace health and safety

A significant step toward safer and healthier workplaces was taken Sept. 3 when the New Zealand Institute of Safety Management (NZISM) joined more than 40 organizations from around the world in the landmark signing of the Singapore Accord. The Accord, spearheaded by the International Network of Safety and Health Practitioner Organizations (INSHPO), presents a global capability framework for the occupational health and safety (OHS) professional that will increase the effectiveness and impact of this role in every industry.

“This is significant initiative developed over a number of years of collaboration by the OHS profession,” said NZISM National Manager Greg Dearsly, who was on hand in Singapore to sign the Accord. “The stakeholders involved have come together and agreed on a common global commitment that defines the capabilities for OHS professionals and practitioners, as a result we would expect to see the development of OHS Practitioner and Professional capabilities contribute to the reduction in workplace harm”

The International Labour Organization reports there are 2.3 million deaths globally each year attributed to work, with the biggest component linked to work-related diseases. More than 300 million incidents occur on the job annually around the world, resulting in significant human suffering and economic burdens.

Six years in the making, the OHS Professional Capability Framework received global support from organizations such as the Safety Institute of Australia, American Society of Safety Engineers, and the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (UK) in advance of the 21st World Congress on Safety and Health at Work. The framework defines the roles, skills, knowledge and qualifications recommended for OHS professionals and practitioners. It is a consensus-based document developed from an international analysis of data from national professional associations and certification bodies.

Given the diversity of OHS approaches across countries, INSHPO created an overarching structure designed to encompass all of them. The framework was analysed by safety experts from a variety of industries around the world. It was enhanced through practical application by the International Council on Mining and Metals.

“The Framework aims to guide business leaders everywhere in identifying competent professionals working in the health and safety profession,” Dearsly said. “This defines the value of the OHS professional and practitioner leading to improved organisational outcomes.”

Background:

NZISM is a member of INSHPO which was created in 2001, INSHPO has grown to 14 member organizations that are based in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, European Union, Australia, New Zealand, the Russian Federation, Singapore and Korea. The non-profit organization is the global voice for the occupational safety and health profession and acts as a forum for international collaboration to improve safety and health at work.

To learn more about INSHPO and its mission to improve workplace health and safety, visit www.inshpo.org.

NZISM is the primary membership organisation for health and safety practitioners. It has over 1600 members in 11 branches working across all sectors of the economy. Our mission is to build quality health and safety practitioners and promote industry excellence.

NZISM has recently developed an internationally benchmarked accreditation scheme aligned to the INSHPO Capability Framework for its members to enable them to demonstrate their capabilities and to enable business to make more informed choices about those it seeks to engage.

ENDS

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