The event was attended by members of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, officials of the Sanoatgeocontechnazorat State Inspectorate affiliated with the Cabinet of Ministers, relevant ministries and departments, the Institute of Sanitation, Hygiene and Occupational Diseases, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, employers, partner organisations, and ILO experts.

The round table participants noted in particular that the adoption of a new version of the Law on Labour Protection played an important role in enhancing employer and worker responsibility for ensuring safety and health at work and improving the performance of relevant services.

ILO experts addressed the meeting. Notably, Gocha Aleksandria, Specialist in Workers’ Activities at the ILO Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and Anton Hausen, Chief Technical Adviser of the Support to the Implementation of the DWC Programme in Uzbekistan, highlighted Uzbekistan's systematic efforts at enhancing health and safety at work across industries pursued in social partnership of the state, unions and employers.

The round table also focused on specific health and safety-related topics, such as prevention of occupational injuries and diseases – one of the priorities for the Federation of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan. Trade unions have been actively involved in drafting the regulations on occupational safety and health; a network of OSH commissioners now operate in grassroots labour union organisations and training seminars have been offered at enterprises to strengthen health and safety in workplaces.

The General Agreement on social and economic issues signed by the Cabinet of Ministers, the Council of the Federation of Trade Unions and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan serves as a key instrument underlying local and industry-based OSH agreements and relevant clauses in collective bargaining agreements, reflecting updated health and safety standards.

The round table also addressed the need to improve the aspect of prevention in the context of occupational safety and health. The participants shared and discussed relevant domestic and international experience.

Similar events dedicated to the World Day for Safety and Health at Work were held simultaneously in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, constituent regions and grassroots trade union organisations of Uzbekistan.

The Federation of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan Press Service.