The Ministry of Labor (MOL) held the launch ceremony for National Workplace Safety and Health Week today (April 21), with Deputy Minister Lee Chien-hung in attendance. Representatives from industry, government, and academia were invited to participate, marking the government’s commitment to continuously advancing workplace safety and health policies through the ceremony and a series of exchange activities, and to jointly creating safer and healthier working environments.

In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister Lee noted that while occupational accidents in Taiwan have declined in recent years, the pace of improvement has slowed, indicating that traditional management approaches are facing limitations and must be enhanced at both the institutional and cultural levels. To address this, the MOL has completed the most comprehensive revision of the Occupational Safety and Health Act in recent years. With a focus on comprehensive prevention, the amendments strengthen hazard prevention at the source in construction projects, reinforce contractor risk management, and incorporate workplace bullying prevention into the regulatory framework, aiming to create a safer and more dignified working environment.

Deputy Minister Lee further highlighted the launch of a three-year Action Plan for Strengthening Workplace Hazard Reduction, implemented through collaboration between central and local governments. By leveraging local resources and providing diversified support measures, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises, the initiative seeks to enhance autonomous risk prevention capabilities and embed safety practices into daily operations.

The event program centered on two key themes: prevention and response. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration first shared practical insights on implementing occupational safety initiatives, outlining policy directions and real-world applications. This was followed by presentations from enterprise representatives showcasing their achievements and practical experiences in workplace safety management. The event concluded with a cross-sector forum titled “Building Safe Workplaces Together”, bringing together government officials, business representatives, and academic experts to deepen collaboration and facilitate knowledge exchange.

The MOL emphasized that workplace safety is an ongoing endeavor. Only through continuous policy refinement, corporate implementation, and broad public participation can the lives and health of every worker be effectively protected. Looking ahead, the MOL will continue to promote a culture of workplace safety through innovative approaches, ensuring that “working with peace of mind and returning home safely” becomes a fundamental guarantee for all workers. Following the launch, a series of National Occupational Safety and Health Week events will be rolled out to further strengthen awareness of workplace safety and health, working together toward a safer, healthier, and more sustainable working environment.