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Safety + Health for All

OSH Week 2025 in Uzbekistan spotlights innovation, digitalization and a culture of prevention

A nationwide push for smarter, safer work environments driven by creating preventive culture through innovation, solidarity and remembrance.

3 May 2025

TASHKENT (ILO News) - From 28 April to 3 May 2025, Uzbekistan marked the World Day for Safety and Health at Work with a broad campaign of awareness raising and capacity building aimed at strengthening workplace safety and promoting a culture of prevention. Organised in partnership with the Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction, the Federation of Trade Unions and the Confederation of Employers of Uzbekistan, and with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO), the week’s events focused on the role of artificial intelligence and digital tools in transforming occupational safety and health (OSH).

Implemented under the ILO flagship programme Safety + Health for All and supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Improving Labour Inspection and Occupational Safety and Health Systems in Uzbekistan project provided the framework for many first-time activities across the country, including organized for the first time World OSH day Conference.

The 2025 campaign theme, “A new era of occupational safety: the role of artificial intelligence and digitalization in the workplace”, framed a week of technical discussions, enterprise-level outreach and public engagement aimed at strengthening Uzbekistan’s OSH systems.

Building digital readiness in OSH systems

Speakers sitting in chairs in front of the audience

An international conference convened over 150 attendees, including 30 international OSH experts, to explore emerging trends in workplace safety, particularly the application of digital tools and artificial intelligence for hazard prevention and risk management. A series of over 150 thematic seminars titled “Implementation of innovative technologies to minimize workplace risks” were conducted across regions to enhance practical knowledge among OSH professionals and enterprise managers.

A study visit to GM Powertrain Uzbekistan allowed participants to observe best practices in digital OSH management and safe working conditions. The visit served as a platform for peer learning and the exchange of practical solutions.

Fostering enterprise-level action and transparency

Around 160 enterprises across Uzbekistan hosted Open Day events to demonstrate workplace-level OSH initiatives and engage workers, employers and local authorities in constructive dialogue. A press briefing led by the Confederation of Employers of Uzbekistan at the National Press Centre reinforced the employers’ responsibility in maintaining safe and healthy working environments. The event highlighted the critical role of the private sector in promoting compliance with OSH standards.

In addition, a national exhibition showcased advanced safety equipment and technologies, complemented by over 170 outreach events aimed at raising public and workplace awareness of OSH.

Commemorative tree planting

On 28 April, conference participants planted 261 tree saplings in the Bostanlyk district to honour the 261 workers who lost their lives due to occupational accidents in Uzbekistan in 2024. This symbolic gesture served as a powerful reminder of the human cost of inadequate workplace safety and reinforced the urgency of preventive action.

Youth and academia engagement

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On 1–2 May, open lectures and seminars were organized at the International School of Finance and Technology and Plekhanov Russian University (Tashkent branch), where ILO experts addressed students and faculty on the future of OSH in the digital age, highlighting the importance of youth participation in shaping tomorrow’s workplace safety culture.

Recognising best practices

On 3 May, the Tashkent City Council of the Federation of Trade Unions organized a city-level conference titled “New era in OSH: The role of AI and digitalization”. The event brought together trade union leaders, OSH professionals and youth representatives to exchange innovative approaches to occupational safety. The conference concluded with an award ceremony recognizing winners of the city-wide competition for best practices in public control of OSH at the enterprise level.

Impact and way forward

The week long campaign, run jointly by the Uzbek tripartite constituents and the ILO, received extensive coverage from more than 30 national media outlets, magnifying key prevention messages country wide.

These efforts highlight how the ILO’s tripartite approach – bringing together the Government, employers’ and workers’ organizations – is advancing Uzbekistan’s labour inspection and OSH systems while supporting the country’s digital transition toward safer, more resilient workplaces and creating decent work for all.