ILO and China’s SAMR Partner to Advance Workplace Safety and Occupational Health

The partnership places strong emphasis on capacity building—recognised as a critical gap in many developing and emerging economies.

In a major step toward strengthening global labour standards and workplace safety, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in occupational safety and health (OSH) and special equipment safety.

The agreement, signed on 14 April 2026 at ILO headquarters in Geneva, signals a growing international push to elevate workplace safety as a fundamental right, while aligning regulatory systems and expanding technical cooperation across borders.

A Strategic Alliance for Safer Workplaces

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing social justice and decent work, with both institutions recognising occupational safety and health as a core principle of sustainable economic development.

Under the agreement, the ILO and SAMR will collaborate on a wide-ranging agenda aimed at strengthening regulatory frameworks, enhancing enforcement practices, and promoting preventive approaches to workplace safety.

At its core, the initiative seeks to move beyond reactive safety measures toward proactive risk prevention—an approach increasingly seen as essential in modern industrial economies.

Strengthening Systems Through Knowledge and Policy Exchange

A central pillar of the cooperation is the exchange of regulatory frameworks and policy expertise. By sharing best practices in safety standards and enforcement, both parties aim to improve the alignment of national systems with international norms.

This includes:

• Harmonising safety regulations with global standards

• Improving inspection and compliance mechanisms

• Promoting preventive safety cultures across industries

Such collaboration is expected to enhance the effectiveness of safety governance, particularly in sectors involving high-risk equipment and industrial operations.

Investing in Skills and Institutional Capacity

The partnership places strong emphasis on capacity building—recognised as a critical gap in many developing and emerging economies.

Planned initiatives include:

• Joint training programmes and technical exchanges

• Development of specialised training materials

• Volunteer and knowledge-sharing programmes

• Strengthening institutional capabilities in OSH governance

These efforts aim to build a new generation of technical experts and regulators capable of implementing advanced safety practices in increasingly complex work environments.

Harnessing Data and Technology for Safer Work

Another key focus area is improving data collection, reporting, and analysis of workplace safety conditions. Enhanced data systems will support evidence-based policymaking and enable more effective monitoring of risks.

The partnership will also promote the adoption of innovative technologies and tools, including:

• Advanced safety monitoring systems

• Digital reporting platforms

• Modern protective equipment and risk mitigation methods

By integrating technology into safety systems, the initiative aims to reduce workplace accidents and improve overall occupational health outcomes.

Driving Global Awareness and Cultural Change

Beyond technical measures, the agreement highlights the importance of awareness and advocacy in building a culture of safety.

Joint campaigns and international outreach efforts will seek to:

• Raise awareness of OSH as a fundamental workplace right

• Promote safer work practices across industries

• Encourage employer and worker engagement in safety initiatives

Experts note that cultural change is often as important as regulatory reform in achieving long-term improvements in workplace safety.

Expanding South-South Cooperation

A distinctive feature of the partnership is its focus on South-South collaboration—facilitating knowledge exchange and technical assistance among developing countries.

Through peer learning and joint initiatives, the ILO and SAMR aim to extend the benefits of their cooperation beyond bilateral engagement, contributing to global improvements in occupational safety standards.

Aligning with Global Development Agendas

The partnership is closely aligned with major international frameworks, including:

• The ILO’s Global Strategy on Occupational Safety and Health (2024–2030)

• The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly:

  • SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being)

  • SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)

It will also be implemented within the broader context of China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative, further integrating safety and health considerations into large-scale infrastructure and development projects.

Delivering Measurable Impact

Over its five-year duration, the partnership is expected to deliver:

• Stronger alignment of national laws with international standards

• Enhanced institutional capacity for safety governance

• Improved availability and quality of workplace safety data

• Increased adoption of innovative safety technologies

• Greater global cooperation and knowledge sharing

Ultimately, these outcomes aim to reduce workplace accidents, improve worker well-being, and support inclusive economic growth.

A New Model for Global Safety Cooperation

The ILO-SAMR agreement represents a forward-looking model of international collaboration—combining policy alignment, technical innovation, and capacity building to address one of the most pressing challenges in global labour markets.

As industries evolve and new risks emerge, such partnerships are expected to play an increasingly critical role in ensuring that economic development is matched by safe, healthy, and dignified working conditions for all.