Workplace violence and harassment

Safe and healthy working environments free from violence and harassment

The ILO launches a new report “Safe and healthy working environments free from violence and harassment” which examines prevention through OSH frameworks.

Workplace violence and harassment is a significant and ongoing threat to worker health and safety, as well as to organizational productivity and reputation.

In June 2019, at the Centenary Conference of the ILO, the Violence and Harassment Convention (No. 190) and its accompanying Recommendation (No. 206) were adopted, calling for the prohibition and prevention of violence and harassment in the world of work.

To support the ratification and implementation of the new instruments, the ILO has produced a global report, highlighting how a comprehensive OSH framework at both national and workplace level could address violence and harassment in the world of work.

This includes for example incorporating provisions related to violence and harassment into OSH laws, regulations and collective agreements and developing specific standards, code of practices and guidelines to support the implementation of programmes and preventive measures in the workplaces. At the workplace level, sound OSH management systems can include the assessment and control of psychosocial risks including the interplay with violence and harassment.

Other promotional and supportive materials are also available on line, including a poster, a summary of the key messages of the report (“the report at a glance”), in addition to a PPT presentation.