A delegation of the State Labour Inspectorate of Uzbekistan studied Austria’s experience in the functioning of the labour inspection system and approaches to organizing preventive work

TASHKENT/VIENNA (ILO News) - A delegation from the Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction of the Republic of Uzbekistan has completed a study visit to Austria, organized on 24-27 November 2025 with support of the International Labour Organization (ILO). The visit follows discussions held earlier this year and aimed to examine Austria’s approach to labour inspection, occupational safety and health (OSH) and active labour market policies (ALMPs).

Building the capacity of labour inspectors and social partners

© ILO

The programme provided in-depth briefings and practical visits to central and regional bodies responsible for OSH and labour inspection. On the first day, the delegation visited the Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection, where officials presented the structure and mandate of the Austrian Labour Inspectorate, its legal framework, strategic priorities and national inspection campaigns. Presentations highlighted technical safety, labour medicine, legal enforcement and innovations in inspector training and digital tools used by inspectors in daily practice.

Practical experience

On the second day, the delegation met with the Labour Inspectorate of Burgenland. Regional inspectors shared their experience in conducting inspections, risk assessment and cooperation with employers. In the afternoon the delegation visited the enterprise Isosport in Eisenstadt to observe how safety requirements are implemented at production sites and to discuss practical measures for preventing occupational risks.

Occupational risk prevention

The third day of the programme was dedicated to the Austrian Workers’ Compensation Board (AUVA). The AUVA representatives outlined the organization’s comprehensive activities, ranging from prevention and research to medical treatment, rehabilitation and compensation. The delegation visited AUVA’s certification and testing centre to learn about technical expertise and laboratory testing that support workplace safety.

ALMPs and next steps

During the final day, participants studied Austria’s active labour market policies, including employment promotion measures, training and engagement with employers. In the concluding discussions, Uzbek participants and ILO officials exchanged views on elements of the Austrian model that could be adapted to the national context of Uzbekistan.

This model offers practical guidance for our ongoing reforms and the digital transformation of the labour inspection system.

Nilufar Amanniyazova, Acting Head of the State Labour Inspectorate, Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction of the Republic of Uzbekistan

“The Austrian experience is highly valuable for Uzbekistan. It demonstrates how a preventive and risk-based approach, supported by strong social insurance and advanced digital tools, can significantly enhance labour inspection and workplace safety. This model offers practical guidance for our ongoing reforms and the digital transformation of the labour inspection system,” said Nilufar Amanniyazova, Acting Head of the State Labour Inspectorate, Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The results of the visit will inform future initiatives to strengthen Uzbekistan’s labour inspection system and occupational safety and health framework. Delegation members expressed appreciation to their Austrian counterparts for the extensive preparation of the programme and for providing materials, some of which were translated into Uzbek.

© ILO

The study tour was organized within the ILO project “Improving labour inspection and occupational safety and health systems in Uzbekistan” under the flagship programme “Safety + Health for All” and supported by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), whose cooperation contributes to ongoing institutional improvements in Uzbekistan.