Wednesday, 30 October 2024 – The Safety, Health, and Environment National Authority (SHENA) of Brunei Darussalam, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), successfully hosted a two-day workshop on 29^th and 30^thOctober 2024 at the Radisson Hotel, Bandar Seri Begawan. The event was part of the ILO’s expert mission to Brunei Darussalam in supporting national efforts to increase the effectiveness and further strengthen the occupational safety and health (OSH) ecosystem, in line with the Wawasan Brunei 2035 of fostering world-class health and safety practices across all industries.

This event was officiated Yang Mulia Haji Muhsin bin Haji Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer of SHENA, who delivered his opening remarks, where he emphasised the importance of these workshops, stating, "The ratification of ILO Convention 187 aligns seamlessly with our Wawasan 2035. By prioritising occupational safety and health, ratification directly supports the key pillars of Wawasan 2035. Firstly, the goal of a high-quality of life for all citizens by ensuring safe and healthy working environments. Secondly, the fostering of a sustainable and resilient economy by promoting productivity and reducing the economic burden of workplace accidents and illnesses. And lastly, ratification supports the development of a just and equitable society by protecting the rights and well-being of workers."

The first workshop was attended by representatives from various stakeholders comprising government agencies, private sectors, and employee representatives. It focused on the pathway towards the preparation for Brunei Darussalam on the implementation of the obligations of the recently ratified ILO Convention on the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187).

The second workshop was attended by more targeted groups including OSH professionals, workplace safety managers, and industry safety officers; where they discussed OSH qualification systems, the formation of OSH Committees, and the establishment of OSH management systems within organisations. Participants were provided with tools and frameworks to enhance their competency in safety management, as well as insights into legal compliance for workplace safety structures.

Through collaborative breakout sessions and in-depth dialogue among participants from government, industry, and non-government bodies, both workshops concluded with strategic and practical inputs tailored to Brunei’s unique needs with a thorough reflection of international best practices and standards, and the ILO’s supervisory framework for further development of the National OSH Programme. The session, overall offered clear and strategic guidance on the development of national OSH priorities and programmes.

The collaboration between SHENA and the ILO continues to support Brunei Darussalam’s journey in aligning with global standards. This demonstrates Brunei Darussalam’s commitment to creating sustainable and safer workplaces through the collective actions of policymakers, industry leaders, and safety professionals.

For more information on national safety, health and environmental regulatory framework, please visit SHENA’s website at www.shena.gov.bn and follow on Instagram: @shena.gov.bn.