IOSH
It’s my right to have decent work!
How OSH drives dignity, fairness and decent work
Date published: 23 January 2026
Principle: Prevention
Author: Duncan Spencer, Head of Advice & Practice, IOSH
What can occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals do to deliver decent work in their workplaces?
What does this mean in terms of worker rights? And what exactly is “decent work”?
The United Nations highlighted the importance of decent work in Goal 8 of the 2015 Sustainable Development Goals, in response to global concerns such as sweatshops and modern slavery. In June 2022, the International Labour Organization formally recognised occupational safety and health as a fundamental right and principle at work.
At first, declarations like these may seem distant from everyday workplace reality. But they influence OSH practice in two key ways:
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1. They drive national policy and law.
Governments develop regulations to help achieve these global goals, and businesses must meet the resulting legal standards.
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2. They shape public expectations.
Businesses cannot operate in isolation. Customers, communities and workers increasingly expect employers to uphold ethical standards and respect worker rights.
What does “decent work” really mean?
Decent work goes beyond having a job with fair pay and adequate working conditions.
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It also includes:
- the right not to be injured or made ill by work
- managing workloads and supporting work–life balance
- designing work that is meaningful and fulfilling
- providing fair remuneration so workers can support their families
- offering opportunities for growth, empowerment and engagement
- establishing strong workplace ethics and values
- supporting respectful behaviour from both workers and managers.
OSH professionals contribute directly to these outcomes. Safe workplaces, competent workers, hygienic conditions and well‑designed systems of work all support the achievement of decent work.
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For example, OSH influences outcomes by:
- promoting safe behaviours
- assessing how shifts or workloads affect wellbeing
- improving safety knowledge through training
- designing equipment, tools and work processes that avoid risk.
In more mature organisations, safety by design not only prevents harm but can improve efficiency and productivity.
The wider impact of decent work
Creating decent work contributes to:
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Job security and financial independence
Safer workplaces protect workers from injury and ill health. This helps maintain livelihoods and reduces the risk of financial hardship.
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Reduced pressure on social systems
When workers can remain healthy and self‑sufficient, there is less strain on social security. Governments benefit from stable tax income and can invest more sustainably in public services.
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Stronger economies and communities
Respecting worker rights supports fair employment, social stability and productive economies. OSH is therefore not only a legal and moral responsibility but also a business and societal priority.
Decent work and worker rights should not be viewed as abstract concepts. They are achieved through practical actions – many of which sit squarely within OSH responsibilities.
This is an important message
By supporting safe, healthy and well‑designed work, OSH professionals help uphold worker rights, meet expectations, and contribute to organisational success.
