The safety profession, much like the changing seasons, is in a constant state of evolution. For ISO/TC 283, this period is marked by action and opportunity, shaping the future of occupational health, safety and well-being for years to come. For ASSP members, understanding these shifts is crucial, as the work of ISO/TC 283 directly impacts the standards and frameworks that define our profession. 

A Global Perspective on the Future of Work 

Recently, Troy Winters of Canada represented ISO/TC 283 at the XVI Foro Internacional de la Calidad in Cartagena, Colombia, where he addressed over eight hundred in-person and five hundred online delegates from across Latin America. The presentation highlighted the breadth of the ISO/TC 283 portfolio, which provides essential guidance for safety professionals. Key standards highlighted included: 

• ISO 45001: Core occupational health and safety (OH&S) requirements, which is currently undergoing a revision due to be completed in 2027. 

• ISO 45003: Provides guidance on psychological health and safety, a growing area of focus for safety professionals. 

• ISO 45006: Addresses infectious disease management, a standard of relevance in the modern world. 

The presentation also introduced emerging projects that reflect the changing landscape of work, including standards on climate change risks (ISO/PAS 45007), remote working (ISO 45008), and menstrual health and menopause (ISO 45010). These projects demonstrate how the scope of the safety profession is expanding to address new and complex risks. 

Upcoming Opportunities for Engagement 

The ISO/TC 283 calendar is full of opportunities for collaboration and progress that directly affect the safety profession. Several key meetings and events are scheduled from September to November 2025, including: 

• The 29th and 30th CAG meetings on September 9th and November 25th, respectively. 

• An initial discussion with ISO/TC 159 (Ergonomics) on a potential joint project on September 16th. 

• A webinar on ISO 45003, focusing on psychological health and safety, on September 25th. 

• The 25th ISO/TC 283 Plenary meeting on October 14th. 

These events offer a chance for safety professionals to stay informed and potentially contribute to the development of standards that will shape their work. 

Strategic Priorities: Shaping the Future of Safety 

ISO/TC 283's strategic direction is defined by three key priorities that are essential for the safety profession. These include: 

• Revision of ISO 45001: This revision aims to embed critical topics such as well-being, psychosocial hazards, diversity and inclusion, technology, and supply chain safety into the core OH&S framework. 

• Strengthening collaboration across ISO: This ensures that OH&S standards are connected and relevant to other fields like ergonomics and sustainability. 

• Tackling emerging risks: This priority involves integrating new risks like climate change, new models of work and leadership into the OH&S framework.