By Joseph Momoh, Reporter D.S
Sierra Leone is actively participating in the 7th Global Occupational Safety and Health Conference (GOSH7), taking place from May 4 to 6, 2025, in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The conference theme, “The Future of Occupational Safety and Health,” has brought together global experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to promote safer and healthier working environments across various sectors.
Mr. Abdul Karim Conteh, the Director of Occupational Safety and Health at the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, represents Sierra Leone at the conference. He has engaged in scientific and technical discussions aimed at enhancing global occupational safety and health (OSH) practices.
Mr. Conteh emphasized Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening national OSH standards and safeguarding workers’ rights to safe working conditions. A significant step in this direction is the ongoing review of outdated labor legislation, notably the Factories Act of 1974. Currently at the legal drafting stage, this process aims to enact a new Occupational Safety and Health Act that will modernize the legal framework in line with international standards and best practices.
The conference’s key objectives include developing OSH policies that align with international standards, enhancing the capacity of member states to manage health risks, and fostering global partnerships. Delegates have also addressed pressing issues such as climate change and mental health in the workplace.
The GOSH7 conference concluded with a call for ongoing collaboration through follow-up workshops, the establishment of regional task forces, and the creation of a global OSH framework that aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Mr. Conteh expressed optimism that the insights gained from the conference would bolster Sierra Leone’s efforts to institutionalize occupational safety and health across all sectors.
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