Azerbaijan advances occupational safety and health with ILO support

BAKU (ILO News) - A two-day tripartite seminar on occupational safety and health (OSH) was held in Baku, Azerbaijan, on 7 and 8 July 2025. Organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the event focused on “Safe and healthy working environment as a fundamental principle and right in the world of work and the ILO Supervisory system and Reporting requirements”.

The seminar provided a platform for national constituents to discuss international labour standards in OSH and their effective implementation at national level. It also covered the structure and functioning of the ILO supervisory mechanism, as well as the reporting process for ratified Conventions.

The event brought together more than 40 participants, including representatives of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Health, other Government agencies, the Trade Union Confederation of Azerbaijan (AHIK) and the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of Azerbaijan (ASK).

© Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan

© Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Organized at the request of the national constituents, the seminar provided a detailed overview of the structure, content and requirements of the key OSH-related ILO instruments, with a particular focus on the fundamental OSH Conventions: Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) and Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187). Participants gained a better understanding of how these instruments can strengthen national legislation, policies and practices to ensure safer workplaces.

Following Azerbaijan’s ratification of Convention No. 155 in 2023 and the request to submit its first report on its application in law and in practice, the seminar helped raise awareness of the ILO reporting requirements and supported the country’s ongoing efforts to implement international standards effectively.

© Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan

© Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Darko Dochinski, Labour Administration, Labour Inspection and Occupational Safety and Health Specialist at the ILO Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, led sessions with the constituents, providing insights into international labour standards on OSH. The discussions focused on the practical implications of these instruments and the harmonization of the national OSH policies and systems.

Moving forward

The seminar marked an important step in advancing occupational safety and health in Azerbaijan, contributing to improved working conditions and reduced occupational risks. Participants emphasized the need for further technical assistance and continued capacity-building efforts in this important area.

Since joining the ILO in 1992, Azerbaijan has strengthened its commitment to international labour standards. Today, Azerbaijan is among the leading countries in the CIS region in adopting ILO standards, having ratified 59 Conventions and one Protocol. The event is expected to support and accelerate the initiated process of ratification of the fundamental and technical Conventions Nos 187 and 184.