Occupational safety and health
ILO supports Vanuatu’s recovery with occupational safety and health initiatives
Code of Practice for OSH in construction to help safeguard workers during rebuilding efforts.
27 February 2025
Port Vila, Vanuatu (ILO news) - In the wake of the devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Vanuatu on 17 December 2024, the International Labour Organization (ILO) is supporting the country’s recovery efforts with a focus on occupational safety and health (OSH).
The earthquake resulted in 14 fatalities, over 210 injuries and widespread displacement, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency. In response, Vanuatu developed a Recovery and Resilience Plan, which emphasizes infrastructure repair and resilient rebuilding to enhance disaster preparedness.
Prior to the earthquake, the ILO had been collaborating with Vanuatu’s Department of Labour on a draft Code of Practice for OSH in Construction. The disaster underscored the urgency of adopting the guidelines to protect the safety and health of workers during rebuilding efforts.
Following an official request from the Government of Vanuatu, the ILO’s Senior Occupational Safety and Health Specialist Dr. Yuka Ujita travelled to Port Vila to conduct technical meetings.
These efforts culminated in a tripartite consultation on February 20, World Social Justice Day, underscoring the importance of workplace safety and health in the recovery process.
During the consultation with stakeholders from government, business and labour organizations the need to strengthen Vanuatu’s national OSH framework was highlighted. Key priorities included the enhancement of the national OSH system including the collection and use of data, capacity building and enhancing coordination among government agencies, employers and workers to foster a preventive safety and health culture.
Dr. Ujita emphasized the critical role of OSH in disaster recovery, stating, “Ensuring occupational safety and health during reconstruction is not just about compliance—it is about protecting lives and building resilience for the future. The people of Vanuatu have endured immense hardship, and it is imperative that we create safer and healthier working environment to support a sustainable recovery.”
With the ILO’s continued support, Vanuatu is taking significant steps toward ensuring that recovery efforts not only rebuild infrastructure but also create safer, healthier and more resilient workplaces for the future.