HealthWISE and harrassment prevention in action at work
Strengthening safe and healthy workplaces in the Eastern Cape
A joint ILO and Department of Employment and Labour mission, under the ILO-OECD-WHO Working for Health Programme, is helping build safer, healthier and more respectful workplaces in the Eastern Cape through HealthWISE implementation and workplace violence and harassment prevention initiatives
8 June 2026
Eastern Cape, South Africa (ILO News) - A joint mission supported both technically and financially by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Department of Employment and Labour has demonstrated tangible progress in strengthening safer and healthier workplaces across the Eastern Cape. The mission combined an impact assessment of the HealthWISE programme in public health facilities with focused awareness sessions on violence and harassment for the Office of the Premier (OTP), reaching staff at all levels.
Building awareness, a foundation for change
The mission began with a strong focus on prevention, through two targeted awareness sessions addressing violence and harassment in the world of work. These sessions were designed for both general staff and senior managers within the Office of the Premier, emphasising the shared responsibility of creating a respectful, safe, and inclusive workplace.
More than 170 officials from the Eastern Cape Office of the Premier, including over 130 staff members and approximately 40 senior managers, participated in interactive awareness sessions on preventing violence and harassment in the workplace. The sessions explored the different forms and impacts of workplace violence and harassment, while equipping participants with practical prevention strategies and providing senior leadership with an opportunity to strengthen discussions on policy implementation, organisational culture and accountability.
The sessions marked a notable shift in awareness and engagement. Participants reported a heightened understanding of unacceptable workplace behaviours and increased confidence in identifying, reporting, and addressing such incidents. Managers, in particular, demonstrated stronger commitment to reinforcing organisational policies and fostering a culture of zero tolerance for violence and harassment.
From awareness to action
Feedback from participants highlighted clear changes following the training. Staff expressed greater openness in discussing workplace challenges and a renewed sense of trust in reporting mechanisms. Meanwhile, managers committed to integrating lessons from the sessions into daily management practices, including improved communication, proactive conflict resolution, and stronger support systems for employees.
This transformation underscores the importance of combining awareness with leadership engagement to drive sustainable workplace change.
Assessing impact: HealthWISE in practice
Following the awareness sessions, the mission shifted focus to the impact assessment of HealthWISE across five health facilities in the province, including Balfour Hospital among others. HealthWISE, a participatory tool jointly developed by the ILO and WHO, aims to improve occupational safety and health in healthcare settings through low-cost, practical solutions.
Site visits revealed encouraging progress in the application of HealthWISE principles. Healthcare workers and facility managers reported improvements in several key areas:
- Workplace organisation: Facilities had introduced better layout arrangements, reducing overcrowding and improving workflow efficiency.
- Infection prevention and control: Enhanced hygiene practices and safer handling of materials were observed, contributing to reduced occupational risks.
- Staff engagement: Workers demonstrated increased involvement in identifying hazards and implementing solutions, reflecting the participatory approach at the heart of HealthWISE.
- Occupational safety culture: There was clear evidence of growing awareness around workplace risks and a stronger collective commitment to safety.
At Balfour Hospital and the other facilities visited, staff shared practical examples of improvements, such as reorganised storage areas, clearer signage, and better use of protective equipment. These changes, while often simple and low-cost, have significantly contributed to safer and more efficient working conditions.
Driving sustainable change
The combined approach of awareness-raising and practical workplace interventions has proven to be highly effective. The mission highlighted how addressing workplace violence and harassment complements occupational safety and health initiatives like HealthWISE, reinforcing a holistic approach to decent work.
Importantly, the involvement of both frontline workers and senior leadership has been critical in ensuring that improvements are not only implemented but sustained. The OTP’s engagement signals strong institutional commitment, while the active participation of health facility staff demonstrates ownership at the operational level.
Looking ahead
The mission to the Eastern Cape stands as a strong example of how collaboration between the ILO, the Department of Employment and Labour, and provincial stakeholders can deliver meaningful impact. The observed changes - from increased awareness and improved workplace behaviours to tangible safety enhancements in health facilities - reflect the success of integrated interventions.
As HealthWISE continues to be applied and awareness efforts are strengthened, the Eastern Cape is well-positioned to build on this momentum, ensuring safer, healthier, and more respectful workplaces for all.