Emerging and changing occupational safety and health (OSH) policies and guidelines are on the minds of international and national public health and business leaders and are featured prominently in this edition.
On a global scale, the International Labour Organization (ILO) recently published a report on the significance of OSH in relation to a just transition to safeguard workers and enhance productivity.
Nationally, Ireland recently made an initial decision on the Sick Leave Act of 2022, clarifying the relationship between statutory sickness benefits and those offered by individual employers. It also outlines criteria for evaluating these benefits.
In Colombia, the Constitutional Court declared the right to disconnect as a fundamental human right, irrespective of a person's role or function. This right is closely linked to health and rest, regardless of the contractual employment terms.
The city of New York in the United States also took steps to address health and safety concerns by updating regulations related to The Earned Safe and Sick Time Act enacted in 2020.
Social protection is another critical topic spotlighted in this issue. In the Indian state of Rajasthan, the Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act complements the Social Security Code adopted in 2022.
Globally, numerous multinational companies are taking the initiative to provide their employees with a standardised and comprehensive social protection package that goes beyond local regulations. These agreements prioritise work-life balance, caregiver and parental leave, health protection, and a strong commitment to upholding workers' human rights. Two significant global agreements in the financial and insurance sectors further underscore this trend.
This edition of the Newsletter covers these and other relevant topics in depth.