In response to demographic shifts and the need to sustain workforce development, the Ministry of Labor, the Environmental and Occupational Medicine Association of the Republic of China, the Taiwan Occupational Hygiene Association, and Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital have jointly organized the 2026 International Conference on Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, held from April 24 to 26 at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital

The conference brings together representatives from government, industry, and academia, both domestically and internationally, to exchange insights in the fields of occupational health and occupational medicine. Under the theme “Building a Resilient and Healthy Future Workforce: Workplace Strategies for an Aging and Multigenerational Society,” the event focuses on how Taiwan, as it enters a super-aged society, can establish resilient health protection mechanisms within increasingly diverse, multigenerational workplaces.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Deputy Minister Lee Chien-hung of the Ministry of Labor. In his remarks, Deputy Minister Lee emphasized that in the face of challenges such as population aging, declining birth rates, and labor shortages, enterprises must develop sustainable occupational safety and health strategies. He highlighted the importance of fostering workplace environments that are both inclusive and dignified in order to attract and retain talent.

Deputy Minister Lee further noted that to strengthen workplace safety and worker protection, the Ministry of Labor has advanced amendments to the Occupational Safety and Health Act, promulgated by the President on December 19, 2025. The amendments center on the principles of “comprehensive prevention in occupational safety” and the “institutionalization of workplace bullying prevention.” Key measures include enhanced risk reduction at the source for high-risk industries, strengthened contractor safety management mechanisms, and the introduction of a dedicated chapter on workplace bullying prevention. The amendments clearly define workplace bullying and require employers to establish complaint handling mechanisms proportionate to enterprise size, as well as to disclose relevant information, thereby reinforcing protections for workers’ rights.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) explained that April 28 is observed annually as World Day for Safety and Health at Work. To promote a nationwide culture of occupational safety and health, Taiwan designates the corresponding week as “National Workplace Safety and Health Week.” This annual conference is held during this period and serves as an important platform for international and domestic exchange on key occupational health issues.

This year’s conference features distinguished international experts, including Professor Maureen Dollard, Director of the Psychosocial Safety Climate Global Observatory; ergonomics expert Ming-Lun Lu from the United States; Director Han Dae-hee of the Gunsan Branch of the Korea Workers’ Compensation and Welfare Service; Professor Akizumi Tsutsumi from Kitasato University, Japan; and Dr. Shiu Hong Wong from Singapore. These experts will share insights and engage in discussions on key topics, including workforce sustainability, workplace bullying prevention, occupational mental health, hazard assessment and prevention strategies, occupational medicine, and return-to-work support for injured workers.

OSHA further stated that it will continue to collaborate with stakeholders across sectors to advance concrete action plans, promote a workplace culture that values both health and safety, and align Taiwan’s practices with international standards. Through regulatory refinement and global engagement, the government aims to guide enterprises in developing sustainable occupational safety and health strategies, ultimately fostering inclusive, healthy, and resilient workplaces for the future.