Brunei Darussalam has convened its first dedicated dialogue on occupational safety and health (OSH), bringing together government, employers, and workers in a historic move to strengthen social dialogue and enhance national OSH governance. The milestone event, held on 20 November 2025, was organized by the Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA) following an ILO proposal to establish a national tripartite platform on OSH. Representatives included the Industry Safety and Environment Group (IHSEG) for employers and the Occupational Safety and Health Workers Association (OSHWA) for workers, with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO).
During the dialogue, participants discussed the formal establishment of a national tripartite advisory body on OSH and explored opportunities for joint initiatives and collaboration to implement Brunei Darussalam’s OSH commitments effectively. The discussions underscored the importance of collective engagement among government, employers, and workers to build a sustainable and inclusive safety and health framework.
Dr. Yuka Ujita, Senior Occupational Safety and Health Specialist at the ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, highlighted the significance of the dialogue, emphasizing that strong national OSH systems rely on close cooperation between all stakeholders. The ILO has provided ongoing support to Brunei since 2022, offering technical advice, institutional development, and capacity-building assistance to establish tripartite OSH structures.
The dialogue also reflects Brunei Darussalam’s commitment to advancing a preventative safety and health culture, building on its recent ratification of the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187) at the 112th Session of the International Labour Conference in June 2024. This first tripartite engagement marks a critical step toward protecting workers and promoting a safe and healthy working environment across the country.
