Towards a safe and healthy working environment in North Macedonia

Occupational safety and health (OSH) is a constitutional right, yet North Macedonia faces persistent challenges in effectively implementing and enforcing OSH policies. These include outdated legislation, underreporting of workplace accidents, insufficient institutional capacity, and lack of reliable data systems. The ILO-led project addresses these issues by supporting the Macedonian Government in building a modern, rights-based, and gender-sensitive OSH framework aligned with EU directives and ILO conventions.

The project’s primary aim is to reduce occupational injuries and diseases by strengthening the legal and policy environment, modernizing labour inspection systems, establishing a national OSH information system, and enhancing national capacities for OSH governance and service delivery. Key target groups include the Ministry of Economy and Labour, State Labour Inspectorate (SLI), Public Health Institute, employers’ and workers’ organizations, educational institutions, and ultimately all workers—particularly those in vulnerable conditions.

The methodology is rooted in social dialogue and involves comprehensive needs assessments, tripartite consultations, technical assistance, and training. The project promotes prevention through education (including TVET integration), strategic compliance planning, digital case management for the SLI, and campaigns to raise awareness of OSH rights and responsibilities.

By creating a solid institutional foundation and fostering a preventive OSH culture, the project envisions long-term positive change: safer working environments, enhanced productivity, reduced health-related costs, and stronger tripartite cooperation. The initiative contributes directly to the EU accession process and strengthens North Macedonia's alignment with international labour standards.