The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the Ministry of Labor, in cooperation with the Taiwan Environmental and Occupational Medicine Association, the Taiwan Occupational Hygiene Association, and National Taiwan University, held the “2023 International Conference on Occupational Hygiene and Occupational Medicine” at the College of Public Health of National Taiwan University from April 21 to 23, 2023. Representatives from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the USA and WorkSafe ACT of Australia, as well as other international experts and scholars from South Korea and Singapore, were invited to share their views. Furthermore, representatives from industry, government, and academia discussed and exchanged information on workplace hygiene and the prevention of occupational injuries and diseases and made concerted efforts for a healthy workforce.

Despite being unable to attend the opening ceremony in person, Taiwan's Premier Chen Chien-Jen recorded a special video message that was shown during the opening ceremony. Premier Chen expressed gratitude to the international guests and encouraged all sectors to use new technology and techniques to improve workplace safety and health management in response to new challenges and opportunities.

He also emphasized the importance of a people-centered approach and ensuring a healthy workforce, working together to create an inclusive, safe, and resilient sustainable workplace environment.

Minister Hsu Ming-Chun of the Ministry of Labor gave a speech in person, highlighting the policy theme of “stability, assurance, and safety” and stating that April 28th of every year is “World Day for Safety and Health at Work.” We expect to strengthen occupational safety and health management through inter-ministerial cooperation and the integration of resources from all sectors to uphold the concept of safety first and health first and continuously promote various measures and activities for labor health.

The seminar was held in response to the emerging issues arising from technological changes, remote work caused by the COVID-19 epidemic, and the rise of platform economies. The topics shared included how to promote workplace safety and health through AI technology, the physiological and psychological effects caused by remote work, functional rehabilitation and return to work for laborers, and the prevention of mental illness for laborers in occupational disasters.

OSHA emphasized that there is never an end to promoting workplace health and safety and will continue to work together with all sectors to build a quality and dignified work environment for employees and create a sustainable workplace for both employers and employees.